Colonial posts sharp gains

Colonial Downs in Virginia closed its 26-day summer meet on Tuesday with double-digit increases in nearly all attendance and handle categories, the track reported Wednesday.

Average ontrack attendance of 2,204 was 13 percent better than the attendance figure from last year. Ontrack handle of $191,212 was up 20 percent over last year and a record for the track, which opened in 1997.

Average all-sources handle of $1,193,669 was up 8 percent over last year and also a record. Total handle for the meet was a record $31,035,401. Nearly all of Colonial Downs's races are run on the turf. The track is approximately 20 miles east of Richmond and is managed by the Maryland Jockey Club.