Emerald Downs to Increase Purses 10%
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Photo: Emerald Downs
Racing at Emerald Downs
Emerald Downs announced Oct. 9 a 10% purse increase for all races over the final three weeks of its current race meet, covering Oct. 14-29.
According to Emerald Downs president Phil Ziegler, the purse increase is a result of better-than-expected handle. Through 30 days of live racing, daily betting is averaging $1,871,799, up 67% over last year.
Handle increases have not been uncommon among North American tracks this year, though most nationwide spikes in handle have come from advance-deposit wagering platforms, which, in general, are not as beneficial to purses as on-track handle.
"We have been pleased at the increased betting on our races, plus the increased wagering by Washington residents through the advanced deposit companies," Ziegler said.
The purse increase includes all races in the final condition book. Examples of the increase now mean a $5,000 maiden claiming race rises from $6,400 to $7,040, and an open $10,000 claiming race goes from $11,200 to $12,400.