Arapahoe handle up 24 percent

Arapahoe posted a strong increase in handle for its 39-day 2006 meet, which ended on Sept. 4.

The total average daily handle on live races at Arapahoe was $116,870, a 24 percent increase over the $94,236 bet daily on Arapahoe races last year.

A release issued by the track Wednesday attributed the increase in handle to a switch from Friday racing to Mondays, giving the Aurora, Colo., track an increased simulcast presence. The 2006 meet was Arapahoe's first under the ownership of BLB Investors LLC, which acquired the track in July 2005.

Average attendance was down minimally, from 1,560 daily in 2005 to 1,535 this year.