Kentucky Downs handle drops

All-sources handle at the six-day meet that ended Tuesday at Kentucky Downs slipped 13 percent compared with the 2007 meet, according to figures released by officials at the turf-only track in Franklin, Ky.

All-sources handle, including imported simulcasts at Kentucky Downs, was $8,381,590, down substantially from the $9,618,209 handled during the same time frame last year. Both meets consisted of 46 races run over six September dates.

Kentucky Downs president Corey Johnsen said that despite the decrease, "I feel like we accomplished our goal of presenting an entertaining experience this year."

Field size of 9.25 starters per race exceeded the 8.98 average of 2007, while more allowance races were offered than in years past.

On the racetrack, Brian Hernandez Jr. was the leading jockey with five wins, while Wesley Ward and James Dodgen tied for leading trainer with four wins each.