Oaklawn Posts Double-Digit Handle Gains
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Oaklawn Park recorded double-digit increases in total handle, average daily handle, and average daily purse distribution during the 51-day meet that ended April 12.
In spite of three fewer days in 2014 compared to 2013, the Arkansas track's total handle increased 12% to $169,248,051. Average total handle increased 19% to $3,318,589. Off-track handle during the 51-day 2014 season increased 27% to a daily average $2,585,327, compared with $2,040,707 in 2013.
Average daily attendance of 10,357 represented a gain of less than 1% from 2013. Four days of racing and two partial race cards were canceled due to track conditions and/or inclement weather.
"Racing fans throughout the nation and Arkansas responded to the high quality of racing we were able to offer," said director of racing David Longinotti. "Our goal every year is to provide our fans with Thoroughbred racing of the highest quality. These numbers reflect that we are achieving that goal."
With two significant purse increases during the meet, average daily purse distribution rose from $365,370 in 2013 to $411,071 in 2014, a bump of 13%. According to The Jockey Club Information Systems, average runners per race fell slightly from 9.02 last year to 8.96 in 2014.
The 2015 race meet is scheduled for Jan. 9-April 11.