Neumeier Wins NHC Charity Challenge

Longtime NBC Sports handicapper Bob Neumeier won Saturday’s inaugural NTRA NHC Charity Challenge in Las Vegas. With a final mythical bankroll of $65, Neumeier bested runner-up Mike Watchmaker of the Daily Racing Form, who checked in with $62.40. The popular handicapper, who suffered a serious stroke just prior to last year’s Breeders’ Cup, never led until the last jump, clinching the contest by correctly selecting $13.20 winner Presidentsky in the ninth race at Golden Gate, the day’s final scoring opportunity. 

“I’ve had my share of wins and losses as a handicapper, but that’s the name of the game,” Neumeier said Sunday morning. “You’ve got to be lucky and I was lucky that day.” 

Neumeier, who needed 5 1/2 hours of brain surgery after the stroke, said he is hoping to be back with NBC Sports soon. 

“I’m well on my way to recovery and hope to be back to Comcast New England soon and hope to be back behind the mic with NBC Sports soon,” Neumeier said. “All of my motor skills and speech work are intact, thank goodness. I’ve had enormous support from doctors, speech therapists, friends, colleagues, my wife, and everyone.” 

For the victory, Neumeier will have $5,000 donated in his name to Old Friends, the Thoroughbred retirement non-profit with farms in Kentucky and upstate New York, and another $5,000 to a charity of his choosing. Neumeier said he would consult with his wife Michele Ucci before announcing what non-profit will receive those funds. 

The top five in the Charity Challenge standings was rounded out by Horse Racing Radio Network’s Mike Penna ($59), Hall of Fame jockey Jerry Bailey ($57.40) and Daily Racing Form handicapper Dan Illman ($55).