Fort Erie sees decline in handle

All-sources handle on live racing at Fort Erie declined at this year's meet, as a sharp drop in ontrack handle was only partially offset by an increase in wagers from other sources.

Final figures for the 101-day meeting, which ended Tuesday, showed an average of $868,970 in daily total wagering from all sources on Fort Erie races, down 1.5 percent from last year.

Ontrack wagering on the races averaged $102,442 in 2005, a 15 percent decline from 2005. Outside wagering increased by 0.75 percent, to $766,528 daily.

Robert King, who moved his tack down from Woodbine this spring, captured his first Fort Erie riding title with 111 winners. Cory Clark was next with 82. Dean Deverell was the leading apprentice, with 32 winners.

Nick Gonzalez captured his second straight training title with 33 winners. Layne Giliforte was second with 31.

Bruno Schickedanz, with 24 wins, was Fort Erie's leading owner for the ninth time in 10 years.