Delta Downs handle increases

Delta Downs reported a 3.3 percent increase in handle during its 2006-2007 meet, the first for Thoroughbreds at the track since the 2004-2005 season. Damage from Hurricane Rita caused the cancellation of 2005-2006 meet at the Vinton, La., track

Delta handled an average of $1,453,539 nightly on its live races during its 88-date meet that ended March 31. Of that, $38,513 was bet ontrack, and $1,415,026 offtrack.

Attendance figures are not available because admission to Delta, which operates a slots casino, is free.

Jockey Tracy Hebert was a clear winner of the riding title, with 120 wins from 485 mounts. His mount earnings of $2,407,745 set a single-season record for a Thoroughbred rider at Delta.

Keith Bourgeois won the training title with 54 wins from 278 starts. He also led in stable earnings with $939,525.

The leading owner by wins was KAT Racing Stable with 11. The leading owner by earnings was Raymond Cottrell Sr., who earned $600,000 when his Birdbirdistheword won the Grade 3, $1 million Delta Jackpot.