Preakness: Record Attendance, Bump in Handle
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The Maryland Jockey Club reported record attendance of 131,680 for the May 16 Xpressbet.com Preakness Stakes (gr. I) at Pimlico Race Course as well as an increase in pari-mutuel handle from last year's event.
The attendance figure topped last year's record of 123,469. Attendance topped 120,000 on two other occasions: 121,309 in 2012 and 121,263 in 2007.
Total handle on this year's 14-race program was $85.16 million, up 1.64% from $83.78 million in 2014. The record of $91.02 million was established in 2005.
This year's wagering total is the sixth-highest in Preakness history, according to MJC figures.
"The day was spectacular," MJC vice president and general manager Sal Sinatra said. "It was a celebration by the city of Baltimore for the city of Baltimore, capped off by an incredible performance by American Pharoah.
"We wish the Zayat family, Bob Baffert, Victor Espinoza, and their team a successful journey three weeks from today in the Belmont Stakes (gr. I), and we thank everyone who attended the 140th Preakness Stakes for making it one of the most memorable."