Keeneland handle dips

LEXINGTON, Ky. - Despite spectacular spring weather to help things along, ontrack attendance at the Keeneland spring meet that ended Friday was down marginally from last year while both ontrack and all-sources handle tumbled 7 and 8 percent, respectively, according to preliminary figures released Friday evening by the track.

Total attendance for the 15-day meet was 238,282, an average of 15,885, down 1 percent from the 240,755 (average 16,050) who turned out last year.

Ontrack handle, not including ontrack simulcast imports, totaled $17.9 million for an average of nearly $1.2 million, down from the $19.2 million and $1.28 million figures recorded last spring.

All-sources handle grossed nearly $107.9 million, averaging $7.2 million daily, down from the $116.9 million and $7.8 million figures from last year.

Garrett Gomez rode 22 winners to lead all jockeys, while Christophe Clement sent out nine winners to lead all trainers. The titles were the first at Keeneland for both men. Seven owners tied with three wins apiece for top honors in that category.