Marquis Downs: Average daily handle rises 6.7 percent at meet

Marquis Downs, located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, showed a 6.7 percent increase in daily average handle from all sources for its 30-day meeting that ended last Saturday.

This year’s daily average of $36,253 compared to $33,971 in 2011.

This year’s total of $1,087,612 was up from $951,201 in 2011 when the meeting spanned 28 days. Only six more races were run this year, however, with totals of 239 compared to 233.

Marquis Downs does not simulcast its live product, but races are streamed live through its website and wagering is available through Woodbine’s HorsePlayer Interactive network.

Horses competed for a total of $982,700 this year, up from $953,300 at the 2011 meeting.

Coco Rubie was the top money-winner at this year’s meeting with $20,319, while Highly Favoured led in races won with a 5-for-6 record.

Neville Stephenson prevailed in a tight jockey’s race with Naim Samaroo, his 43 wins providing a one-win edge. Fazal Razack was third with 27 winners.

Wendy Anderson was the runaway leading trainer with 36 wins. Don Bjarnson was next with 19 wins, and Judy Hunter third with 17.

Windancer Stable led in both races won with 26 and money won with $75,246.