Turfway Park Concludes with 62% Increase in Handle

Turfway Park Racing & Gaming's memorable 48-day Winter/Spring Meet concluded April 1 with a massive 62% gain in all-sources handle and a 43% increase in purse money awarded.

In total, more than $145 million was wagered at the Winter/Spring Meet, nearly $56 million more than in 2022. Along with the sizable handle increase, the connections who raced at Turfway Park were handsomely rewarded with more than $19 million in prize money, an increase of more than $5.5 million (including funds from the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund). Turfway ran nine additional days than in 2022 and had an increase of more than 900 starters. 

"The racing season at Turfway Park Racing & Gaming was a huge success across the board," Turfway Park president Michael Taylor said. "Our team at Turfway Park delivered a competitive racing product while welcoming back fans to our newly renovated facility."

Turfway's meet was highlighted by another extraordinary Jeff Ruby Steaks Day and a tremendous performance by Patricia's Hope and Phil Sagan's Two Phil's  in the $700,000 Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3). The Jeff Ruby Steaks once again served as a Road to the Kentucky Derby Championship Series event and Two Phil's is targeting his next start in the May 6, $3 million Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs.

Five-pound apprentice jockey Walter Rodriguez led the standings with 48 victories from 250 starts. Rodriguez's outstanding meet was highlighted by victories in the $125,000 Dust Commander Stakes and $125,000 Wishing Well Stakes.

In the trainer standings, Wesley Ward topped all conditioners with 22 wins, seven more than Paulo Lobo and Bill Morey. Among Ward's 22 victories were from his trainees Eye Witness  in the $250,000 Animal Kingdom Stakes, Sunday Shoes  in the $125,000 Serena's Song Stakes, and Funtastic Again  in the $125,000 Leonatus Stakes. 

Ward also tied for the leading owner with six wins. However, his client, Roy Jackson's Lael Stables, broke the tie for the champion owner with the highest earnings of $341,365. Kirk Wycoff's Three Diamonds Farm also tabbed six victories at the Winter/Spring Meet. 

Bettors enjoyed massive payouts throughout the meet with the average 50-cent Pick 5 returning more than $10,000 and the average Single 6 Jackpot payout returning more than $19,000. The average win payout was a stout $14.85.

"We're so thankful for all of our owners, trainers, jockeys, and horseplayers for their continued support of our racing season," Turfway Park general manager Chip Bach said. "Thanks to Churchill Downs Incorporated's continued investments in Turfway Park's facility and racing product, we can confidently look forward to a thriving future of horse racing in Florence."

Horses will remain stabled at Turfway Park throughout the spring and summer. Racing is set to resume Nov. 29.