Handle, Purses Spike at Churchill September

Churchill Downs’ September meet posted strong handle growth this year, with all-sources and average daily wagering up 13.9% during the 11-day stand that concluded Oct. 2.

Wagering totaled $37,839,942 this year, compared with $33,217,607 for the same number of days in 2015, according to figures from the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.

(Based on information obtained from the KHRC, a previous story incorrectly under-reported the total wagering for this year’s September meet. 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 13.3% over the $327,577 figure last year.

Although all seven scheduled turf races during the meet’s final four days were moved to the main track due to soggy course conditions caused by rain, average field size increased from 8 runners per race in 2015 to 8.5 this year, according to The Jockey Club Information Systems.

This marked the fourth September meet for Churchill since is took over the racing the dates traditionally held by Turfway Park in northern Kentucky.

“Our fourth September meet was gratifying on every level and we thank the support of fans in our region and throughout the country for its outstanding racing program and to the on-track fans who enjoyed the entertainment events in mostly favorable weather during this special month,” said Kevin Flanery, president of Churchill Downs Racetrack, in a release. “September racing was a completely new product for us when the meet was introduced in 2013 and we continue to learn and adjust, but we are pleased with the results and by the reaction from fans who are now making Churchill Downs racing a regular part of their plans for a busy time of the year.

“This meet was created in response to requests by horsemen for help in filling a gap in the Kentucky racing schedule and the record number of horses-per-race during the meet, the ongoing strengthening of our September stakes schedule and the growth of all aspects of the still-new product are clear evidence that the concept is working for all parties and all of Kentucky racing.”

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.