Handle Decreased 26% at Monmouth Park in 2016

Paco Lopez captured his fifth riding title, Jorge Navarro his fourth trainer's award, and Quiet Winter Farm its first owner's trophy, as the curtain came down on the 2016 Monmouth Park season Sept. 25, but the New Jersey track reported significant decreases in key areas.

On-track handle at the 57-day meet was $22,431,306, a 26.6% decline over last year when the track hosted 58 live cards. Total handle also saw a 26.4% decline, as $196,272,397 was wagered this year on Monmouth's races. Attendance was off 9.2%, mostly dampened by a wet Haskell Day, which drew 35,983, compared with 60,983 in 2015, when Triple Crown winner American Pharoah took New Jersey's most prestigious event. The 2016 average daily attendance was 8,833.

Monmouth saw a decrease in number of races run in 2016 with an average of 9.8 per day over the 57-day stand. Last year saw an average of 11.2 for the 58-day racing season. In total there were 86 fewer races this year.

Field size saw a dramatic drop off as well, with an average of 7.28 horses per race in 2016, compared to 8.11 the year before, an 11.4% decrease.

"Despite the lack of horses, we still recorded numerous accomplishments this year," said Dennis Drazin, adviser to Darby Development, which operates the racetrack. "The entire Monmouth Park team continues to work hard to put on outstanding racing in a fan-friendly environment that is second to none."

Among those accomplishments was the advent of exchange wagering. Monmouth was at the forefront to make New Jersey the first in the nation to employ the betting platform.

"Horses follow purse money and our neighbors are working with a distinct advantage," Drazin said. "Every state surrounding us, and most of those surrounding them, have alternative gaming revenues fueling purses. These casino-fueled purses (have) led to a decrease in field size and carded races. Obviously this has had a direct impact on our handle both on-track and in the simulcast network."

In the race for leading trainer, Navarro won his fourth consecutive title. The 41-year-old conditioner from Panama won a record 59 races this year, besting the mark of 55 established by John Tammaro III in 1974 and equaled the following year by J. Willard Thompson.

Thompson's Quiet Winter Farm took home the trophy for top 2016 owner at Monmouth, with 17 visits to the winner's circle.

In the jockey race, Lopez was yet again a runaway victor with 105 winners in 2016. It was the fifth title for the 30-year-old native of Mexico, who took his first championship during the 2010 meet. He has been top jockey at Monmouth since 2013.