FRANKLIN, Ky. (Sept. 25, 2014) – Kentucky Downs closed out its 2014 live racing season on Wednesday, and the track established new records for wagering handle and starters per race during the five-day season.
A total of $15,880,755 was wagered on the Kentucky Downs races during the 2014 meeting, shattering the previous record of $12,814,967, established in 2013, by 23.9%. Field size was an impressive 10.2 starters per race.
“We are extremely gratified with the success of this year’s live meet,” said Kentucky Downs President Corey Johnsen. “We had tremendous support from horsemen and racing fans and are proud of the quality of live racing that we were able to offer. Many of the nation’s top trainers raced horses with us this year, and our jockey colony was second to none.”
“Surpassing last year’s previous record handle by almost 24% is an accomplishment the Kentucky Downs team is very proud of. On track crowds were very enthusiastic, showing a 15% increase in handle over last year. We have a lot of momentum, and are looking forward to what the future has to offer for Thoroughbred racing at Kentucky Downs,” Johnsen concluded.
Wednesday’s closing day card was a showcase for first-class racing as three stakes races that each carried a $200,000 purse were featured. The Kentucky Downs Turf Dash at 6 ½ furlongs was won by Dimension, while the Kentucky Downs Ladies Marathon (run at a distance of 1 5/16 miles) was so popular with horsemen at the entry box (with a total of 23 entries) that it was split into two separate divisions, with the winners being White Rose and Angel Terrace, respectively.
Reviewing individual honors for the 2014 Kentucky Downs meet, Rosie Napravnik and Julien Leparoux tied for the leading jockey title with seven victories apiece during the five-day season. Wesley Ward earned his third leading trainer title at Kentucky Downs, saddling seven winners during the meet, including two victories on closing day. Ken and Sarah Ramsey were the leading owners for the second straight year. The Ramseys had four wins, three second-place finishes and earnings of more than $264,000 for the five-day 2014 live meet.
While the live racing season is concluded at Kentucky Downs for this year, the track continues to offer year-around simulcasting on horse racing from tracks around the country, as well as wagering on historical horse racing.
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