Breeders' Cup 2019 Handle Highest Yet of Two-Day Format
Image:
Description:
Photo: Mike Baker
Breeders' Cup attendance across the two days totaled 109,054
The Breeders' Cup announced common pool wagering totals and on-track attendance figures Nov. 4 for the 2019 Breeders' Cup World Championships, which took place at Santa Anita Park Nov. 1-2.
Total handle for the two-day event was $174,000,574, the highest since Breeders' Cup began its current two-day format in 2007. Total common pool handle on Friday's 10-race program was $56,517,228, and the total handle on Saturday's 12-race program was $117,483,346. This year's handle was up 10.5% from the 2018 Breeders' Cup held at Churchill Downs.
Both 2018 and 2019 programs included 14 Breeders' Cup races, with all five juvenile races held Friday.
Saturday's on-track attendance at Santa Anita was 67,811, completing a two-day attendance total of 109,054, the fourth-highest since beginning the two-day format. A total of 41,243 attended Friday. The total attendance for last year's Breeders' Cup was 112,667, 3.2% higher than 2019.
This year was a record 10th time the Breeders' Cup was held at Santa Anita Park. The 2020 Breeders' Cup will be held at Keeneland and the 2021 event at Del Mar.
"Breeders' Cup would like to thank the staff and management at Santa Anita Park and The Stronach Group for their hard work and support of the 2019 World Championships," said Breeders' Cup chairman Fred Hertrich III, "along with Arcadia, Pasadena, and the surrounding communities, our loyal fans around the world and, especially, the owners, breeders and nominators who make our event possible. Last, but certainly not least, Breeders' Cup would like to recognize our equine athletes, the horsemen and women, grooms, jockeys, trainers, veterinary teams, security personnel, and all volunteers for their tireless efforts and dedication to our event."
Breeders' Cup Two-Day Attendance and Handle (Common-Pool) History:
2018, Churchill Downs—112,667; $157,445,842
2017, Del Mar—70,420; $166,077,486
2016, Santa Anita Park—118,484; $156,861,811
2015, Keeneland—94,652; $149,869,035
2014, Santa Anita Park—98,319; $151,158,813
2013, Santa Anita Park—94,628; $160,704,877
2012, Santa Anita Park—89,742; $144,272,332
2011, Churchill Downs—105,820; $161,512,867
2010, Churchill Downs—114,353; $173,857,697
2009, Santa Anita Park,—96,496; $153,271,176
2008, Santa Anita Park—86,588; $155,740,328
2007, Monmouth Park—69,584; $129,197,262