Gulfstream all-sources handle for 2018 another track record

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Gulfstream officials reported this week that all-sources handle on live racing during 2018 was more than $1.75 billion, an increase of 7 percent over 2017 and another annual record for the track, which began shifting toward year-round racing in 2013.

Racing at Gulfstream West in October and November is included in the handle figure.

“We continue to rebuild year-round racing in Florida with the help of breeders, owners, and horsemen,” general manager Billy Badgett said in a prepared release. “While we’re pleased with the record growth the past two years in handle, we believe there is room to continue growing.”

The largest handle dates in 2018 were Florida Derby Day ($49.9 million, an all-time track record) and Pegasus Day ($41 million).

Reyes OK after spill

Jockey Leonel Reyes was examined and released Thursday afternoon at nearby Aventura Hospital after being thrown to the dirt when his mount, Sir Senescal, broke down in the third race. Reyes was expected to return Saturday after taking off all mounts Friday. Sir Senescal, a 4-year-old colt trained by Oscar Gonzalez, was euthanized.

The seven-furlong maiden race was won by the Bill Mott-trained Botero, who finished three lengths ahead of odds-on favorite Personal Time, a 4-year-old full brother to the 2013 Kentucky Derby winner, Orb.

Reyes, a native of Venezuela, enjoyed his best year in the U.S. in 2018, with mount earnings of nearly $2.7 million.

Two turf stakes ahead

Older turf horses will be featured here when two Grade 3 events are run Saturday.

The $150,000 Marshua’s River, for fillies and mares at 1 1/16 miles, drew 21 nominations, led by Capla Temptress, Hawksmoor, and La Signare. Its open counterpart, the $100,000 Tropical Turf at a mile, has Heart to Heart and Divisidero as obvious standouts among 17 nominees. Entries for both stakes will be drawn Wednesday.

O’Connell grieves for her mom

Just three months after her father, Joseph, died at age 93, trainer Kathleen O’Connell lost her mother on Wednesday. Funeral services were held Friday for Arlene O’Connell, 90, in Grand Ledge, Mich.

O’Connell said she hoped to return to Gulfstream some time over the weekend.

Shakhimat in Sunday feature

Shakhimat, a two-time graded stakes winner, looks like the class of the Sunday feature, in which he is entered for a rare claiming tag. The $52,000 second-level turf route with a $62,500 claiming option goes as the 10th of 11 races on a card that starts at noon Eastern.

After Sunday, Gulfstream goes dark for two days before another five-day week resumes Wednesday.

Gulf horses to weigh in

In line with an ongoing practice at its sister track Santa Anita, Gulfstream will weigh horses prior to every race, according to daily notices on the Gulfstream overnight sheets. Management at track owner the Stronach Group intends to institute the new measure as an additional tool for handicappers.

– additional reporting by David Grening