Handle up slightly at Delaware Park meet

Handle at Delaware Park was up slightly over last year during its 78th season, which concluded Saturday, according to figures released by the track Monday.

Delaware handled $104,789,404 at its 81-day meet, up 1.9 percent from last year’s total of $102,834,201. Delaware raced 80 days in 2014.
Average daily handle on Delaware Park’s races this year was $1,293,696, marginally higher than the 2014 average of $1,285,428.

The top two finishers in the premier race of the meet, the Grade 1 Delaware Handicap, are expected to run in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff. Sheer Drama, who defeated Frivolous by two lengths in the Delaware Handicap, came back to win the Grade 1 Personal Ensign at Saratoga.

The Delaware Oaks also is likely to produce two starters for the Distaff. Calamity Kate, who won by 1 3/4 lengths, is being pointed for the Breeders’ Cup, as is runner-up Peace and War.

“Delaware racing has been faced with many challenges during the past decade, including increased casino competition and steady reductions in foal crops,” said John Mooney, the racino’s executive director of racing. “Despite those challenges, we have had exciting racing year after year, and this season was not an exception.”

Carol Cedeno notched her second straight Delaware riding title. Cedeno and Tyler Conner each rode 55 Thoroughbred winners at the meet. Cedeno also won nine Arabian races.

Jamie Ness won this third Delaware training title with 40 wins. Ness also led the standings in 2013 and 2012.

Mac Robertson was the second-leading trainer. Robertson held a 34-28 lead over Ness before starting a suspension for a Minnesota medication violation Sept. 7.