Pimlico Meet Registers Strong Handle Numbers
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The Maryland Jockey Club announced June 8 that Pimlico Race Course's 37-day spring meet, highlighted by Triple Crown winner American Pharoah's impressive victory in the Xpressbet.com Preakness Stakes (gr. I), ended June 6 with sharp increases over last year in total and average pari-mutuel handle.
Total wagering was $207.1 million, up 25.5% from the 2014 spring meet, while average daily handle increased 9.7%, from $4.706 million to $5.164 million. Total handle on Preakness day also increased, from $83.786 million to $85.161 million, while total handle on Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (gr. II) day rose 63%, from $12.507 million to $18.488 million.
Pimlico's increases come three months after the MJC said total average handle was up 14.6% during Laurel Park's winter meet and 15.8% on its live product.
"The numbers once again support our belief that there is potential for the Thoroughbred industry in Maryland to grow and prosper," MJC vice president and general manager Sal Sinatra said. "Improvements to both our facilities, listening to our fans, and the support we have received from the horsemen have all helped in generating more interest in our sport and the industry.
"We believe this is only the start. There is more room to grow our industry in Maryland and the surrounding areas, excite our fan base, and bring new people to this great sport."