On-track and all-sources handle soared over 2008 totals as Saratoga Race
Course opened its 141st season of Thoroughbred racing in warm, muggy conditions
with intermittent showers after the 6TH race. The attendance of 25,444 was up
40.4 percent over 2008 when 18,127 braved a steady downpour.
On-track handle totaled $3,651,222, a 29.8 percent increase over $2,813,982
in 2008. All-sources handle, which includes money bet on Saratoga races
from simulcast outlets nationwide rose 24.4 percent, from $11,431,846 to
$14,216,133.
“Opening Day was an unqualified success,” NYRA President and CEO Charles
Hayward said. “On-track handle increase of almost 30 percent and all-sources
increase of 24.4 percent over 2008 figures indicates the strength of our racing
product and the benefit of some decent weather. The crowd of 25,444 confirms the
resiliency of Saratoga Opening Day in challenging times.”