06/15/2012 3:42PM

Will Rogers Downs: Handle rises 40 percent during 31-day meet

By Mary Rampellini
Email

Will Rogers Downs in Claremore, Okla., experienced a more than 40 percent increase in handle on its races during the 31-date meet that closed in late May. The track handled an average $661,742 a card on its races from all sources, compared with $451,398 during the corresponding, 32-date meet in 2011.

Of the total amount, Will Rogers handled an average $636,908 a day on its races offtrack, compared with $426,110 in 2011. Ontrack, handle on the live card averaged $24,834 a day versus $25,287, the slight dip attributed to Will Rogers opening two new off-track betting sties.

As for purses, Will Rogers, which operates a slots casino, averaged $144,264 a day, up from $141,259 in 2011.

Curtis Kimes won his fourth consecutive riding title with 41 wins, while Roger Engel led all trainers at the meet with 31 wins. Rusty Roberts was the leading owner with 13 wins.