Del Mar handle up more than 8 percent for meeting

DEL MAR, Calif. – Boosted by increases in account and out-of-state wagering as well as strong business on Saturday’s Pacific Classic card, Del Mar’s summer meeting showed an 8.2 percent increase in all-sources average handle through Sunday, the 25th day of the 36-day season, compared to the same point last summer.

The all-sources handle on Saturday’s Pacific Classic program was $25,969,128, a Del Mar record for a non-Breeders’ Cup day. The previous mark for a non-Breeders’ Cup Day was $25.1 million set on Pacific Classic Day in 2016.

According to figures provided by the racetrack, average daily handle for the meet from all sources is $13,478,217, compared to $12,452,457 at the same point in the meet in 2017.

Out-of-state simulcasting and account wagering has risen 13.3 percent from last year, to an average of $7,039,880.

Ontrack average handle has risen slightly, from $1,706,501 in 2017 to $1,714,229 this year. Ontrack average attendance has decreased 6.1 percent, from 14,008 in 2017 to 13,158 this year.

Through Sunday, field size, an important barometer of handle, averaged 8.76 runners per race, compared to 8.5 runners during a similar period last year. The entire 2017 summer meeting averaged 8.58 runners per race.

The 2017 summer meeting showed a 5.1 percent increase in all-sources handle compared to the 2016 season.

The Del Mar meeting continues through Sept. 3.