Keeneland has record meet

Attendance and wagering records were set at the 17-day fall meet that ended Saturday at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Ky.

Handle from all sources totaled more than $112.7 million, surpassing the $106.3 million from last fall, when just 16 days were run. Per-day handle averaged $6,633,734, not including imported simulcasts or separate-pool handle. Total attendance was 232,382, which narrowly surpassed the previous record for a fall meet, set in 1988. Average attendance was 13,669.

Nick Nicholson, president of Keeneland, said a fast start and ideal weather on most days were major factors at the meet, which started with a three-day weekend that included eight stakes.

On the track, Pat Day won a Keeneland riding title for a record 21st time, while Nick Zito won his second Keeneland title by sending out 11 winners. WinStar Farm was the leading owner with six wins.