Delta Downs average daily handle up 13 percent

Delta Downs in Vinton, La., experienced a more than 13 percent increase in average daily handle during its 87-date Thoroughbred meet that ended March 23, the track announced Tuesday.

Delta handled an average of $1,629,138 a day on its live races from all sources, compared to $1,431,407 during the corresponding meet a year ago. Of the handle amount, an average of $1,599,553 a day was bet on the track’s races offsite, up 14 percent from last season. Ontrack, an average $29,584 a day was bet on live races, up 3 percent from last meet.

“We are so proud of our entire team who worked tirelessly to make this season one of the best in track history,” said Steve Kuypers, vice president and general manager of Delta.

Delta averaged 9.07 starters per race this meet, according to the track. The season’s highpoint came in November with the running of the Grade 3, $1 million Delta Downs Jackpot won by Goldencents. Handle on Jackpot card, which featured a number of stakes, was $4.3 million, the second highest single-day handle ever at Delta, which opened in 1973