Keeneland set records for wagering and attendance during its recently
concluded 15-day spring meet.
Total wagering from all sources was $143,459,422, an all-time meet record.
That figure surpassed the previous record of $142,450,673, set during the 15-day
spring meet in 2004. Last year’s total for a 16-day meet was $129,234,309.
Total wagering averaged a record $9,563,961 per day, breaking the previous
high of $9,496,712, which was established in the spring of 2004. Last year, the
daily average for total wagering was $8,077,144.
Interstate commingled wagering was a record $110,401,486, a 9 percent
increase over the previous record of $101,040,827 in 2004. Last year’s
interstate handle on Keeneland’s races totaled $89,986,745.
On-track wagering on Keeneland racing rose slightly from $21,599,291 to
$21,833,015 despite one less day of racing in 2006.
Keeneland also established all-time record total and daily attendance during
the spring meet.
Attendance for the meet totaled 244,145, a 4 percent increase over last
year’s record high of 235,220. The total included a single-day attendance record
for a Friday of 23,882, set on Good Friday, April 14.
Daily attendance during the meet averaged a record 16,276, an 11 percent jump
over last year’s daily average of 14,701. The previous record of 15,522 was set
during the spring meet in 2004.
Purses for the spring meet averaged $641,253, up 3 percent over last year’s
average of $639,204.
Apprentice Julien Leparoux and Rafael Bejarano tied for leading jockey
honors, each finishing the meet with 17 wins. Leparoux became the first
apprentice jockey to win a leading rider title at Keeneland.
Nick Zito captured his fifth leading trainer crown, winning 12 races. Todd
Pletcher finished second with 11 victories.
Ken and Sarah Ramsey were the meet’s leading owners, visiting the winner’s
circle on six occasions.