Kentucky Downs sets meet handle record

Kentucky Downs easily surpassed its record for all-sources handle when $30,246,888 was wagered at its five-day 2017 meet, which ended Thursday.

Officials at the turf-only track in south-central Kentucky reported an increase of 34 percent over the previous record, set during the five-day 2016 meet. The gains were more impressive in that only one Saturday card was held this year versus two last year.

“It just shows that horseplayers and casual fans alike love the Kentucky Downs product,” general manager Ted Nicholson said in a press release.

Ontrack wagering totaled $1,028,952, up 11 percent from last year. Admission is free and therefore attendance is not counted.

Aggregate wagering on the new Jockey7 wager, which was only available at a limited number of outlets, was $47,460.

On the racetrack, Julien Leparoux was the leading jockey with six wins and $1.1 million in mount earnings. Mike Maker was the leading trainer for the third straight year with eight wins and $1.5 million in stable earnings. Ken and Sarah Ramsey were the leading owners for the fifth straight year with four wins.

Per-day purses are expected to average roughly $1.7 million when final figures are released. Field size averaged 10.4 horses per race, and favorites won at a 26 percent clip (13 of 50).