Hastings enjoys handle increase for 2012 meet

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Despite two fewer racing days, the total all-sources live mutuel handle of $32,557,605 at the 2012 Hastings meet that concluded Sunday was up by 5 percent compared to last year’s total of $30,888,829. The daily average for the 67-day meet was 485,934, an increase of 8.5 percent over last year’s average for the 69-day meet of $447,664.

The ontrack live handle was virtually unchanged: $9,848,328 this year compared to $9,843,196 in 2011.

Raj Mutti, general manager at Hastings, was pleased with the solid numbers.

“Our goal at the start of the year was to continue growing our numbers, provide a great experience for our guests and continue to be a top entertainment destination in Vancouver,” said Mutti. “We successfully accomplished all of those goals and look forward to carrying our momentum into the 2013 season.”

Troy Taylor led the trainer standings for the sixth year in a row with 40 wins, three more than Craig MacPherson. Amadeo Perez won his first riding title with 95 wins, well in front of Fernando Perez, who finished second in the standings with 68 wins. Marlo Dunn won 39 races and repeated as the leading apprentice.