MJC: Preakness Set Handle, Attendance Records
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Photo: Chad B. Harmon
Exaggerator wins the Preakness Stakes May 21
The Maryland Jockey Club reported attendance and total pari-mutuel handle records for the May 21 Preakness Stakes (gr. I) program at Pimlico Race Course.
On a rainy, cool day, the MJC reported attendance of 135,256, up 2.5% from the previous record of 131,680 set last year. Total wagering for the 14-race program was $94,127,434, up 3.4% from $91,028,704 in 2005.
This year's total handle figure was up 10.5% from $85,160,000 in 2015.
Handle at in-state wagering facilities, which include Pimlico, Laurel Park, Rosecroft Raceway, Ocean Downs Casino, and several off-track wagering parlors, was up 3.1%, officials said.
On May 21, Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (gr. II) day, the MJC announced a record crowd of 47,956 and total handle of $19.4 million, which was up 4.7% from 2015.
"Our record handle and attendance is further indication of the revitalization of Maryland racing," MJC president and general manager Sal Sinatra said. "We will continue our efforts to reinvigorate Thoroughbred racing in the Mid-Atlantic."