Brian Walsh nailed the last two winners on the Wednesday Keeneland card and went back to his home in Long Beach, New York, $1,300 richer and the winner of the final Keeneland Handicapping Contest presented by Formulator Web of the 2009 spring meeting. Walsh edged Florence, Kentucky, resident Joe Whitford, who held a slim lead going into the final race of the day.

 

“Jon Court flew in to ride Gloria Goodbody for John Glenney, so I knew she was live,” Walsh said. “She was the only speed in the race and a huge price ($70.80). I picked four winners on the card but I should have had five. There was a trainer from Tampa Bay Downs on our plane here and he told me to bet on Tom Proctor’s filly in the sixth (Prytania). Even though she looked good in the (Daily Racing) Form, I didn’t listen and bet on a loser.”

 

Despite getting beat in the last race, Whitford had a super day as he finished second, third and fifth using his maximum of three entries, and banked $984 for a solid day of handicapping. Cash prizes were paid to the top 10 finishers from the $2,720 purse.

 

“It was only Mr. Walsh’s second trip to Keeneland and he seemed to be right on top of the action,” said contest coordinator Jude Feld. “He was really worried going into the ninth race, but when he backed the winner, he knew he couldn’t be any worse than second. Even though Mr. Whitford missed out on the top prize, he holds the distinction of cashing on all three of his cards. That was a first in Keeneland’s live meet contests and a very difficult feat to accomplish.”