$5 MILLION 1/ST GRAND 3 PICK ‘EM CHALLENGE CONTINUES WITH THE INAUGURAL CALIFORNIA CROWN

BALNIKHOV (IRE) RUNS IN THE CALIFORNIA CROWN JOHN HENRY TURF TO CONTINUE QUEST FOR THE $2.5 MILLION 1/ST GRAND 3 TURF BONUS

Arcadia, CA (September 26, 2024) – 1/ST, the innovative brand behind North America’s most prestigious Thoroughbred horse racing, entertainment and wagering events, announces that contest entries for the $5 million 1/ST GRAND 3 Pick ‘Em Challenge have reopened for fans to make their selections in The California Crown (GI).      

The 1/ST GRAND 3 Pick ‘Em Challenge opened today, September 26, at 12:00 p.m. ET and will close at 7:40 p.m. ET on September 28, prior to the post time for The California Crown. Fans can register and submit their picks for free at www.1st.com/contest.      

Five entries who correctly submitted the top four finishers from Preakness 149 (GI), remain eligible for the $5 million-dollar grand prize. The $5 million grand prize will only be awarded if one of the five remaining entries pick the top four finishers in order of The California Crown and 2025 Pegasus World Cup (GI). If the $5 million grand prize is not awarded, a $100,000 guaranteed consolation prize will be awarded to the entry with the most points over the series.  

Fans who did not enter to play in the Preakness leg of the contest may still earn enough points to win the $100,000 consolation prize pending the results of The California Crown and 2025 Pegasus World Cup.    

The California Crown will be broadcast live on CNBC and Peacock from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. ET on race day, Saturday, September 28.      

Balnikhov (pictured), winner of the Dinner Party Stakes (GIII) on the Preakness undercard is entered in The California Crown John Henry Turf (GII) presented by 1/ST BET and remains the only horse in contention for the $2.5 million turf bonus awarded to the winner of the Dinner Party Stakes, California Crown John Henry Turf and 2025 Pegasus World Cup Turf (GII). Balnikhov is owned by Little Red Feather Racing, Madaket Stables LLC and Old Bones Racing Stable, LLC.    

The 1/ST GRAND 3 Pick ‘Em Challenge is part of 1/ST’s $25 million racing and incentive series connecting 1/ST’s premier events and iconic venues in California, Florida and Maryland. Preakness 149, The California Crown and 2025 Pegasus World Cup feature more than $12.5 million in elevated purses and $7.5 million in incentives for both dirt and turf participants.      For contest and entry rules, please visit www.1st.com/contest.    

To stay connected on The California Crown, visit @californiacrownofficial on Instagram, TikTok and @Calicrownofficial on X.