Kentucky Downs wagering declines

With barely half the number of races run this year as compared to last, Kentucky Downs closed its 2009 meet Monday with a predictably sizeable downturn in gross handle.

Because officials already were running a fewer number of dates, and because six scheduled races had to be canceled due to weather, the turf-only track near Franklin, Ky., conducted just 24 races this year during three days of racing, versus 46 races at the six-day 2008 meet. The 2009 all-sources handle was $3,937,165, down 53 percent from 2008, when $8,381,591 was bet. Wagering per race was down 10 percent from last year.

After all six races were scrapped Saturday, the 12-race Monday finale went smoothly, helping Kentucky Downs salvage what was a "very challenging meet because of the weather," according to track general manager Jon Goodman.

Orlando Mojica and Todd Pletcher were the leading jockey and trainer, respectively, with five wins each.