Churchill Downs Handle Up Slightly
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Photo: Coady Photography
Churchill Downs.
All-sources and average daily handle increased 1.2% during the 11-day September meet at Churchill Downs that ended Oct. 2, according to the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.
According to numbers reported to the KHRC, wagering totaled $33,611,462 this year, compared with $33,217,607 for the same number of days in 2015.
As a corporate policy, Churchill Downs Inc. does not release business figures for its tracks, except on major racing days, but the handle numbers are reported to regulatory agencies in jurisdictions where the tracks are located.
Average daily purses of $371,218 were up substantially over the $327,577 figure last year, and average field size increased from 7.99 runners per race to 8.54 this year, according to The Jockey Club Information Systems.
Three winners netted Ken and Sarah Ramsey their record 27th owners' title at Churchill, while Dale Romans' six wins secured the trainer's crown. Romans has won or tied for the trainers' title 14 times.
Robby Albarado secured his first Churchill riding title since 2008 with 15 winners during the short meet.