Handle dips at Ellis Park meet

Ellis Park closed its 28-day meet Monday with a marginal decrease in all-sources handle, along with declines in ontrack handle and field size.

Per-day all-sources handle at the western Kentucky track averaged $1,157,785, a decrease of 3 percent from comparable 2013 figures. Ontrack wagering on Ellis Park’s races averaged just $157,249, down 14 percent, while average field size dipped from 8.1 horses per race to 7.4. Ellis officials cited the reopening of Belterra in Cincinnati and continued competition from Indiana Grand as prime reasons for the decreases in field size and handle.

Attendance averaged 4,058, up 7 percent over last year. Officials attributed the increase to good weather during much of the meet and more patrons playing Instant Racing machines.

The meet was scheduled for 29 days, but the Aug. 17 card was lost to weather. This was the 92nd year of racing at Ellis.

On the racetrack, 17-year-old apprentice Juan Saez was easily the leading jockey with 51 wins, while Buff Bradley and Kellyn Gorder tied for leading trainer with 10 wins each.