Business strengthens during opening week

MIAMI – After getting off to a bit of a rocky start due to a technical glitch at several simulcast sites last Wednesday and Thursday, business picked up steadily during the opening week of the inaugural Gulfstream Park West meet.

On Saturday, all-sources handle on the 10-race program was just under $3.5 million. That was the fourth-highest handle of any track in the country, behind Belmont Park, Santa Anita, and Keeneland. Fueling the business at Gulfstream Park West have been large fields averaging more than 10 starters per race.

Gulfstream Park averaged 9.2 runners per race and an all-sources handle of $3.5 million for its summer meet, July 1 through Oct. 4.
P.J. Campo, vice president of racing, said Gulfstream Park West management was pleased with business and attendance during the first week of the 44-day meet, which runs through Nov. 30. The Gulfstream Park championship meet opens Dec. 6.

“We’re confident that our field size will get even stronger as more horsemen come south for the championship meet,” said Campo. “We’re also looking forward to some big stakes days at Gulfstream Park West, with the Sunshine Millions Preview Day, the Grade 3 Tropical Turf and My Charmer handicaps on Nov. 22, and Juvenile Showcase.”