NHC Player Bio
Name: Karen Richards
Tour Member ID #: 5897
Address: 12611 NW 23 St. Pembroke Pines, FL 33028
Phone: 954-443-0057
Email: kfrichards@bellsouth.net
Birth: July 5th.
Favorite Track: Gulfstream Park
Favorite Wager: Win/Place/Show
Occupation: Clerical Analyst for the City Manager of Pembroke Pines FL.
1. How did you first get into horse racing: When I got married in 1985 to Mark, horse racing became a big
part of my life. Mark’s family has been involved in horse racing one way or another his entire life.
2. When you start playing in handicapping contests: In 2002 I entered a Twin Spires contest at
Calder Race Course and was lucky enough to win an entry into NHC IV.
3. Have you ever qualified for the DRF/NTR NHC: Prior to this year I have qualified for the
NHC four times. (NHC IV, NHCVII, NHC X and NCH XI)
4. When did you join the Daily Racing Form NHC Tour? I have been a member of the NHC
Tour since its inception.
5. What is your best finish in a handicapping tournament, and what is your largest tournament payout: My
best finish in a tournament was my first place finish in the Twin Spires contest in 2002. I believe I won
about $600 for finishing first place.
6. What wager created the largest payout for you? Please elaborate on the circumstances (date, track,
etc.): I am not a big gambler but I love to handicap and watch the races. My largest payout was a $2 WPS
wager on a horse at Gulfstream Park on Florida Derby Day that went off at over 99-1 a few years ago.
7. Do you have any interesting hobbies, experiences or past accomplishments that others might find
unique or interesting: Nothing unique or interesting to share. I spend most of my spare time helping to
take care of my 3 year old granddaughter Alyssa.
8. What is your most memorable horse racing experience: When I first got married to Mark we would
travel every year to Ocala to see our new foal, Espirit, from our broodmare, Lithe Spirit. Each year we
would watch her grow and dream of watching her run. When Espirit finally made it to the track for her first
start she broke last and it seemed like we would have to wait another day for our first win. Suddenly she
started closing and made up 15 lengths in the stretch to win by a nose. It was my first win as a horse
owner and on my first try. It was really exciting.
9. Does anyone else in your family share your enthusiasm as a horseplayer? My husband Mark has a
passion for horse racing. He loves to go to see the horses train and loves to watch them run in the
afternoons and evenings. My brother in-law Myles and his wife Traci are also avid horseplayers. My
father in-law used to train horses and was a Jockey’s agent before retiring and my Sister in-law also used
to train horses.
10. What would you do with the NHC grand prize if you won: When I one day win the NHC I would most
likely share some of the winnings with my family and purchase another horse to run and then breed. I
would also retire and tour the country going from one handicapping contest to another; visiting all of the
throughbred tracks that I haver never seen in person.
11. What accomplishment in life are you most proud of: I am most proud of my three beautiful daughters
and my wonderful granddaughter.
12. Which person in Thoroughbred racing would you most like to have dinner with:I would love to have
dinner with Gary Stevens. He was always one of my favorite jockey’s to bet on and root for and now he is
an accomplished actor. I bet he has a lot of good stories to tell.
13. Who is your favorite horse racing writer (or favorite publication/website): Jim Mazur is a personal
friend of our family and I enjoy his writing. He also used to own horses with us.