Keeneland reports record wagering on 2019 fall meet

All-sources wagering was a record $160.2 million at the 17-day Keeneland fall meet that ended Saturday, according to figures released by officials at the Lexington, Ky., track.

The new mark exceeds the previous track record of $158.6 million set at the 2013 spring meet. The record number was up 11 percent over the 2018 fall meet, when $144.3 million was bet, also on 17 dates.

All-sources wagering averaged out to $9,423,995 per card. Average ontrack attendance of 15,449 also was up by 8.6 percent over the 2018 fall meet. Field size averaged 9.47 horses per race, and favorites won at a 27 percent clip (44 for 161).

Keeneland president Bill Thomason said in a release: “We remain humbled by the depth of support from our fans, horsemen, and our sponsors.”

On the racetrack, Julien Leparoux was the leading jockey with 19 wins, marking the 12th time he has won or tied for a Keeneland riding title. Mike Maker was the leading trainer with eight wins, while Lothenbach Stables tied with Jim and Susan Hill for leading owner with four wins each.