During five days of live racing, track handled $12.8 million, increase of nearly 70 percent
FRANKLIN, Ky. (Sept. 26, 2013) — Kentucky Downs concluded a historic season Wednesday, when live all sources handle, or money wagered, soared to $3,371,476, an all-time record and a 117-percent increase over the final day in 2012.
For its five days of live racing, from all sources, Kentucky Downs handled $12,814,966, an all-time record and an increase of 69.3 percent from a year ago. On-track handle of $645,343 increased 17 percent over 2012.
“This season showed what can be accomplished when we all work together,” said Corey Johnsen, Kentucky Downs’ President. “We were proud to offer quality racing with a low takeout, and horseplayers responded with record handle.”
Kentucky Downs paid out $4,121,142 in purses and Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund money. That established a record for the racetrack and represented an increase of 103.9 percent from a year ago. The purses were augmented by revenue derived from pari-mutuel wagering on historical horse races, which accounted for more than 70 percent of the total.
Beyond the numbers, the season also succeeded in establishing the Franklin, Ky., racetrack in the popular awareness and putting it in the national spotlight. Rosie Napravnik, who is the fifth leading jockey in the country, topped the Kentucky Downs’ standings with eight wins. In his first trip around the unique course, Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens rode the winner of the $400,000 Kentucky Turf Cup, Temeraine. Ken and Sarah Ramsey, who were the leading owners at the recently concluded Saratoga meeting, topped the Kentucky Downs standings with a record nine wins. And Wayne Catalano, who sits securely atop the trainers’ standings at Arlington Park near Chicago, assumed the same position here with 10 victories.
“What impressed me most about the season,” Johnsen said, “was that we had top quality horses, trainers and jockeys from all over the country. And, in my opinion, we had some terrific races, showcasing our great sport at the highest level.”
The numbers:
- Live All Sources Handle – $12,814,966 (69 percent increase over 2012)
- Live On Track Handle – $645,343 (17 percent increase over 2012)
- Purses/KTDF Paid – $4,121,142 (103.9 percent increase over 2012)
- Average Horses per Race – 9.96
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