Golden Gate Reports Increased Handle in 2015
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Photo: Vassar Photography
Golden Gate Fields experienced a 3.08 percent year-over-year increase in total all-source handle in 2015 despite racing three fewer days.
The track handled $226.6 million on its own races over 149 race days (Dec. 24, 2014-Dec. 13, 2015), up from $219.9 million over 152 race days (Dec. 26, 2013 and Dec. 14, 2014).
The average daily all-source handle on Golden Gate's races increased 5.16% to $1,521,066 from $1,446,455.
The increased handle didn't translate to increased purses though, as comparing the same time frames, total purses paid declined 7.5% this year to $20,835,439 and purses per race were down 5.3% to $16,884, according to numbers from Jockey Club Information Systems.
Total on-track handle on live races declined 4.96% to $21.1 million from $22.2 million. The average daily on-track handle was $141,646, down 3.04% from $146,090.
During the recently concluded fall meet the average daily all-source handle was $1,464,335 (up 4.39%).
The 2015-16 Golden Gate Fields winter/spring meet will open Dec. 26 and will run for 96 days through June 12. Golden Gate will celebrate its 75th anniversary and present 12 stakes worth $1.025 million during the winter/spring meet. The anniversary festivities will begin Jan. 2 when Golden Gate Fields gives away a wall calendar commemorating the top horses and jockeys who have competed at the bayside venue over the decades. Calendars will be provided to the first 3,000 fans in attendance.