Kentucky Downs all-sources handle rises, per-race average declines

Kentucky Downs ended its four-day meet Monday with a gross all-sources handle of $4,473,195, which represents a 14 percent increase over last year at the turf-only track in Franklin, Ky. However, only 24 races were run last year over three days, versus 30 races over four days in 2010, which means the average all-sources per-race handle was down about 5 percent.

Ontrack handle on the 30 races this year was $304,909. There are no attendance figures because admission is free.

“We worked hard to market our meet this year,” said general manager Jon Goodman. “We had a handicapping contest that went over very well, a family fun day, good weather, and we moved up our dates a week earlier from last year. We’re very pleased with how it went.”

On the racetrack, Jesus Castanon and Tony Farina tied for leading jockey with four wins each, while Mike Maker and Wesley Ward had the most wins among trainers with three each.