TurfPublicists: Saratoga Drenched but All-Sources Handle Down Only 6.1 Percent Over 2009 Opener

Friday, July 23, 2010

Contact: Dan Silver

Saratoga Drenched but All-Sources Handle Down Only 6.1 Percent Over 2009 Opener

Handle and Attendance Post Solid Gains over Corresponding Friday at Belmont Park

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – Steady rain starting mid-morning produced declines in handle and attendance on Opening Day of the expanded Saratoga Race Course meet over the 2009 opener but today’s totals still overwhelmed last year’s corresponding final Friday card at Belmont Park.

On-track handle totaled 2,927,601, a 19.8 percent decrease over $3,651,222 on Opening Day 2009 but a 264 percent increase over $804,869 for the 2009 Belmont Park Friday.

All-sources handle of 13,349,050, which combines wagers on Saratoga races both on-track and from simulcast outlets nationwide, was down only 6.1 percent from $14,216,134 in 2009 and up 90 percent from $7,033,787 on Belmont Park Friday.

Today’s attendance of 23,178 dropped 8.9 percent from 25,444 at 2009’s opener but soared 307 percent over the 5,695 at Belmont Park Friday.

“Despite the deluge on-track, our all-sources handle confirms the popularity of Saratoga racing with our customers nationwide,” said NYRA President and CEO Charles Hayward. “Our business today far surpassed last year’s at Belmont Park and we’re confident of an excellent Saratoga meet as soon as the weather cooperates.”

-30-