Steve Walker
Home: Lincoln, Neb.
Age: 49
Occupation: Environmental supervisor
Bio: Steven Walker became a household name in the horseracing world when he won the inaugural National Handicapping Championship to become the DRF/NTRA Handicapper of the Year for 2000. He also holds the equally impressive distinction of being the only person to have qualified for all of the first five renewals of the DRF /NTRA National Handicapping Championship. Had the highest day two total at NHC II in Jan. 2001 to raise his career NHC earnings to $103,000. Finished 74th at NHC IV, 42nd at NHC III, and 23rd at NHC II. Played for four different teams in five years at the National Handicapping Championship after qualifying at Hawthorne for the 2004 championship (Also: Horsemen's Park 2000 and 2002, Bettor Racing OTB 2001, and Prairie Meadows 2003). Placed his first bet at the Nebraska State Fair in 1976 when attending grad school at the University of Nebraska. Won his first handicapping tournament at Ak-Sar-Ben back in 1988. His favorite racetrack story is when he went to the track when he was dating his wife. She wanted bet a 99-1 shot and he wouldn't let her. Of course, the horse went gate-to-wire and paid over $200 to win causing her to hate horse racing ever since. His special interests include fishing, camping, travelling, and collecting sports cards and other memorabilia.
Photo: Horsephotos