Tournament newcomer Madison Mattmiller bested a field of 77 entries to capture the 2025 Belmont Stakes Challenge, which was contested from Friday, June 6 through Saturday, June 7 during the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival at Saratoga Race Course.
Mattmiller, a 34-year-old bloodstock agent from Lexington, Ky. who works with Black Type Thoroughbreds, took home $57,750 from the prize pool awarded to the top-four finishers plus her $66,171.30 bankroll earned over the course of the tournament. In victory, Mattmiller also secured a seat at the 2025 Breeders' Cup Betting Challenge from at Del Mar including a travel credit.
The Belmont Stakes Challenge featured a buy-in of $5,000, including $1,500 that went directly to the prize pool, with the remaining $3,500 comprising each participants' bankroll and permitted to make Win, Place, Show, Exacta, Trifecta, Quinella and Daily Double wagers.
Mattmiller said that John Stewart, owner of Resolute Racing, funded her entry with a portion of any winnings dedicated to accredited aftercare organizations.
“John offered to pay the entry fee for five handicappers as a way to contribute to Thoroughbred aftercare,” said Mattmiller. “It was a great idea and an interesting way to support aspiring handicappers while also raising funds for aftercare.”
This was Mattmiller's tournament debut.
“I tell everyone, 'This may have been beginner's luck,'” Mattmiller said. “I have my own bloodstock business, we buy and sell Thoroughbreds. I work with my husband Jake Ballis with Black Type Thoroughbreds. I usually tell him, 'I deal with the horses, you deal with the people,' but together as a syndicate we buy privately and at auction.”
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