Hastings handle drops all around

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - The total all-sources live handle at the recently concluded Hastings meet dropped by more than 17 percent compared with 2008. The total handle from 74 days of racing in 2009 was $40,620,917 compared with $49,716,774 from 71 days last year.

The average all-sources handle of $548,931 was down by 21 percent from last year's average of $700,236. The total bet per race was off by 18 percent.

Ontrack numbers were also down by significant amounts. The total ontrack handle of $13,815,972 was off by 17 percent compared with $16,647,925 in 2008. The average daily on-track handle was $186,702, 20 percent less than in 2008, when the average was $234,477.

Despite the drop in handle, the average purse paid out in 2009 was up marginally - $18,096 compared with $17,774 last year. The average per day was $157,240 compared with $161,971 in 2008. The 600 slot machines added in August of 2008 helped keep the purses relatively stable.

Troy Taylor led the trainer standings for the third year in a row, with 53 wins. It was the fourth time he was the leading trainer. His first title came in 1963. Taylor also led in money won with $1,002,969. Barbara Heads was second in number of wins, 39, and money earned, $946,921.

Fernando Perez dominated the jockey standings with 107 wins. Mario Gutierrez finished a distant second with 76.

Owners Glen Todd and Patrick Kinsella were the leading owners at the meet with 41 wins for $724,892.