Pimlico handle declines

Average daily handle dropped 10.3 percent for Pimlico Race Course's 28-day summer meeting, the track's owner, the Maryland Jockey Club, said Monday.

Average all-sources handle was $2.32 million daily for the meet, compared with $2.59 million last year during a 30-day meet. Total handle during the meet was $52.3 million, a 23.2 percent decline from the 2003 figure of $68.1 million.

The 2004 figures include 16 days of live racing and 12 days of simulcasts, while the 2003 figures include 22 days of live racing and eight days of simulcasts. Mike Gathagan, a spokesman for Pimlico, said the track does not break down the figures separately for live racing days and simulcast-only days.

Erick Rodriguez and Chip Van Hassel shared the riding title with 16 wins each. Dale Capuano led the trainer standings for the ninth straight meet at Pimlico, dating back to 2000, with six victories. Michael Gill topped the owner standings with seven victories.