Tampa Bay Downs Increases Purses for Second Time
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Racing at Tampa Bay Downs
Tampa Bay Downs announced Jan. 29 a second purse increase that will take effect Feb. 3. The approximate 10% boost will provide a $1,000 increase for all maiden special weight, allowance, claiming, and starter races.
Peter Berube, Tampa Bay Downs vice president and general manager, said a double-digit gain in simulcast wagering has more than offset a decline in on-track wagering, making the second increase of the 2020-21 meeting possible. The track had raised purses by about 10% in mid-December.
Tampa Bay Downs is averaging $4.1 million in daily handle, a 15% increase from the same period last season. On-track wagering has fallen 25%, mostly attributable to the effect of COVID-19 on attendance.
"Our Thoroughbred signal is among the most popular in the country each winter and continues to gain new players, thanks to the size of our fields and our outstanding turf program," Berube said. "We are pleased to use the increased revenue to support the people who make our racing competitive and challenging for serious handicappers and $2 bettors alike."
Tampa Bay Downs is averaging just over 8.3 starters per race.
The track stages four stakes Feb. 6, led by the $250,000 Sam. F. Davis Stakes (G3), the $175,000 Lambholm South Endeavour Stakes (G3T), and the $175,000 Tampa Bay Stakes (G3T). The Sam F. Davis is a prep for 3-year-olds on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.