Kentucky Downs sets track record for handle

FRANKLIN, Ky. – Kentucky Downs handled almost $15.9 million from all sources at the five-day meet that ended Wednesday, setting a record for the turf-only track.

The gross of $15,880,755 represents a 24 percent increase over the previous record of $12,814,967 set in 2013, when five days also were conducted.

Field size averaged 10.2 horses per race, well above the national average, while per-day purses were scheduled to average more than $1 million, although that included some Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund bonuses that went unpaid. Final purse payouts were not immediately available.

“We are extremely gratified with the success of our live meet,” said track president Corey Johnsen.

A track release said ontrack handle, typically less than 10 percent of the all-sources handle, was up 15 percent over last year, although a specific figure was not provided. Attendance is free and therefore not tallied.

On the racetrack, Rosie Napravnik and Julien Leparoux tied for leading jockey with seven wins each. Wesley Ward topped the trainers’ standings for the third straight year with seven wins, while one of his main clients, Ken and Sarah Ramsey, led all owners with four wins, three of them coming on the Wednesday closing-day card.