Gulfstream Park concluded its 86-day meet on Sunday with strong handle
figures. Despite extensive, ongoing renovations that necessitated the use
of temporary facilities throughout the season, the track’s average daily handle
(all sources) of $9,161,000 was up 1.7 percent compared to $9,010,000 in 2004.
Out-of-state (ISW) wagering rose 4.3 percent. A daily average of $6,199,000
was wagered by ISW outlets on Gulfstream races, up from $5,944,00 last year.
Intertrack (ITW) wagering in the State of Florida showed a 6.3 percent
increase in average daily handle and a 50.1 percent jump in handle on imported
signals.
Due to the construction of Gulfstream’s new clubhouse and grandstand,
on-track attendance and handle declined, as expected.
“Given the challenges that we faced in presenting our meet, we’re excited and
proud of the numbers that were generated,” said Scott Savin, Gulfstream Park
president and general manager. “The quality of racing was outstanding, and the
new main track and turf course surfaces enabled us to maintain strong field
sizes throughout the meet.”
Edgar Prado captured his second riding title, booting home 64 winners, while
Todd Pletcher saddled 35 winners to claim his second consecutive training crown.
Olympia Stables and Frank Calabrese led all owners with 10 wins each.