Mahoning Valley Race Course Posts Gains
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Photo: Courtesy of Mahoning Valley Race Course
Mahoning Valley Race Course in northeastern Ohio
Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course wrapped up its 2015 fall/early winter season with across-the-board gains in total pari-mutuel handle, on-track handle, average field size, and daily purse distribution.
The Austintown, Ohio, track said increased business and video lottery terminal revenue boosted purses to a daily average more than $106,000, with more than $4.8 million paid out to horsemen during the 37-day meet. Average field size for the meet was among the highest in North America, as a total of 3,262 horses competed in the 322 races for an average of 10.13 per race.
Mahoning Valley reported total handle of $25,690,640, an average of $694.341 a day. On-track wagering was up from the previous two meets, with $1,136,143 bet for an average of $30,706.
During the track's inaugural 21-day meet in the fall of 2014, wagering totaled $12,909,041 for a daily average of $614,716. On-track wagering on live races was $688,600 for an average of $32,695 per day.
"Our entire racing team went above the call of duty to make this season a success," said Mark Loewe, vice president of Ohio racing operations for owner Penn National Gaming Inc. "Like most of the country, we have enjoyed a very temperate climate thus far. That, along with the support of our fans and from horsemen throughout Ohio and neighboring areas, contributed greatly to our increases."
Terry Houghton, a career winner of more than 5,400 races, earned his second consecutive riding title, with 29 wins from 214 starts and earnings of $546,016. Michigan native Robert Gorham led the trainer standings with 21 victories from 103 starts and stable earnings of $359,173.
Gorham, a 1977 graduate of Michigan State University's Veterinary School of Medicine, still operates a small practice as well as a breeding operation in Kalamazoo, Mich., with his sister, Marion, who along with Henry Mast's Mast Thoroughbreds are his primary clients.
Racing at Mahoning Valley resumes Jan. 2, 2016, and continue primarily on a four-day-a-week schedule of Monday-Wednesday and Saturday with a first post of 12:45 p.m. Eastern on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and 12:15 p.m. on Saturdays thru April 23.