Keeneland's average handle down

Keeneland Race Course ended its 16-day spring meet Friday with daily average all-sources handle down 11 percent from the corresponding 2007 meet.

Although the estimated gross all-sources handle of $150.5 million was the second-highest in track history, behind only the $158.4 million handled last year, there was an additional day of racing this year at the Lexington, Ky., track.

Ontrack attendance at the meet that began April 4 averaged 15,225, up 6 percent over last year. Ontrack handle figures were not available, as a complete business report was scheduled for release Monday.

On the racetrack, Hall of Fame jockey Kent Desormeaux won his first Keeneland title by riding 22 winners. Todd Pletcher was the leading trainer with 14 wins, while Overbrook Farm tied for leading owner with G. Watts Humphrey and partners with four wins each.