Laurel's Average Handle Rises for Winter Meet
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Average daily handle rose 14.6% at Laurel Park's winter meet, which started Jan. 1 and concluded March 29.
The track's average daily handle was $1.76 million, compared with $1.54 for last year's meet. Average daily handle on Laurel's simulcast signal increased 20.2% from $1.18 million in 2014 to $1.42 million.
Laurel's increases on average handle came despite a Mid-Atlantic dispute and the loss of 10 live days of racing due to winter weather and track conditions. Overall, total wagering was down 5.4%, from $79.8 million to $75.5 million.
"The numbers are quite respectable overall," said Maryland Jockey Club general manager Sal Sinatra. "There's no doubt we would have beaten our 2014 numbers for total handle if we had raced just a few more days.
"We want to thank our fans, many coming to Laurel in less than ideal weather conditions, as well as our horsemen, who put on a great show each day. We will continue working hard each day to improve Maryland racing and our facilities. We believe there is tremendous potential for growing Maryland Thoroughbred racing."
Live racing in Maryland shifts to Pimlico Race Course beginning Thursday, April 2. First race post is 1:10 p.m. ET.