All-sources handle up 8.6 percent for opening weekend

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Offering further proof that the off-track wagering market drives business, even at a major fan destination such as Keeneland, all-sources betting was up 8.6 percent for the opening three-day weekend despite poor weather that led to weaker ontrack numbers.

Keeneland vice president Bob Elliston reported Monday that wagering totaled nearly $43.1 million for the three days. The comparable period last spring drew nearly $39.7 million. Field size averaged 9.6 horses a race.

“It’s very encouraging, especially considering our ontrack figures,” said Elliston. “Our field size was excellent and the quality of the racing was just spectacular.”

Ontrack handle for the three days was $3.63 million, down 20 percent from the $4.59 million bet in 2017.

The ontrack attendance of 14,629 on Saturday was one of the lowest in the modern history of the Blue Grass, although detailed historical records are not readily available. Thousands of fans were dissuaded by snow and bitter cold early in the day, although a warming trend by late afternoon eventually led to tolerable conditions.

The Blue Grass was the anchor of an 11-race card that featured four other graded stakes and drew an all-time single-day record handle of $22,634,861, breaking the old mark of $21,736,983 set on Blue Grass Day 2016. Keeneland also drew its highest-ever pick five pool ($899,196 on races 6-10) and pick four pool ($1,065,002 on races 7-10).