Woodbine Reports Slight Dip in 2014 Handle

The 2014 Woodbine Thoroughbred meet ended with a slight decrease in all-sources handle, the Woodbine Entertainment Group reported Dec. 11.



The 133-day meet ending Dec. 7 produced total handle of $393,871,491, a 2.9% decrease over the $405,799,510 figure recorded from 132 dates in 2013. Average daily total handle of $2,961,440 was off 3.67% when compared to the 2013 average of $3,074,239.



"We held steady over 2013 considering our slow start," said Sean Pinsonneault, WEG's chief operating officer, in a statement. "We came off one of the worst winters in recent memory and the horses weren't quite ready early in the meet and field size suffered. We saw a strong rebound in the second half of the season such that we are buoyed by our prospects for growth in 2015 and beyond."



Purses also held steady in 2014 at $71.6 million, averaging $538,000 per card, the track reported. The average field size during the meet was 8.5 horses, down from 8.7 horses per race in 2013.



Woodbine recorded a record closing day handle of $5,406,444 on Sunday.



"We're proud of the tremendous success of our big race cards including the Queen's Plate, which continues its development as a must attend event in Toronto with our Hats & Horseshoes party theme," Pinsonneault said. "Of course, the filly, Lexie Lou, became a household name after her tour de force victory over colts in the 155th edition of the race."



United Kingdom-based horses Trade Storm and Hillstar captured Woodbine's fall time turf classics, the Ricoh Woodbine Mile and Pattison Canadian International (both Can-IT), respectively.



"Our major race program continues to attract the finest horses in racing from across the globe," said Pinsonneault. "We're proud of the quality of our racing product and the overall positive momentum we are experiencing with it."



Opening day for the 2015 Thoroughbred racing season, also set for 133 dates, is scheduled for April 11.