Handle Up on Breeders' Cup Friday

All-sources handle for the Nov. 3 Breeders' Cup program was $52,273,883, a 5.3% increase from 2016, on the first day of the 34th Breeders' Cup World Championships at the iconic Del Mar, a first-time host for the event. The total handle reported for Championship Friday was the highest since 2013, when the two-day event was held at Santa Anita Park. 

Friday's on-track handle was $9,280,504, a 29% increase over the prior year's Breeders' Cup at Santa Anita, as an enthusiastic crowd of 32,278 witnessed a commanding performance by Charles Fipke homebred Forever Unbridled in the $2 million Longines Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1). Last year, a crowd of 45,673 watched as champions Beholder and Songbird battle down to the wire, as a photo finish revealed Spendthrift Farm's Beholder the winner by a nose. 

The 10-race card at the seaside track featured seven stakes, four of which were Breeders' Cup races: the Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1T), the Las Vegas Dirt Mile (G1), the Juvenile Turf (G1T), and the Longines Distaff (G1). 

Due to the smaller capacity of the venue, Breeders' Cup capped ticket sales for each day at 37,500 for the 2017 edition.

Breeders' Cup Friday attendance and handle history:

2016, Santa Anita — 45,673; $49,651,600

2015, Keeneland — 44,497; $46,251,965

2014, Santa Anita — 37,205; $47,666,982

2013, Santa Anita — 35,633; $52,594,370

2012, Santa Anita — 34,619; $48,997,009

2011, Churchill Downs — 40,677; $52,095,202

2010, Churchill Downs — 41,614; $54,889,388

2009, Santa Anita — 37,651; $50,662,945

2008, Santa Anita — 31,257; $49,473,304

2007, Monmouth Park — 27,803; $31,499,007