Portland Meadows handle up 22 percent from 2006-'07

Portland Meadows recorded strong gains in average daily handle at its 61-day 2007-08 meeting, which ended March 11.

The track took in $32,444,670 in all-sources handle on its live races for a daily average of $531,880, up more than 22 percent from the $434,647 average daily handle at the 75-day 2006-07 meet.

Most of the gains came from out-of-state wagering on Portland Meadows races, which increased more than 24 percent, from $396,364 per day at the previous meeting to $492,799 at the recently concluded stand.

Joe Crispin repeated as the top Thoroughbred rider at the meet, winning with 132 of his 464 mounts, double the 66 wins notched by the runner-up, Clark Jones.

Jim Fergason was again the track's leading Thoroughbred trainer with 60 wins from 256 starts, seven more wins than his nearest pursuer, Jonathan Nance.

Crispin was also the meet's leading Quarter Horse rider with 24 wins, while Scott Raley led all Quarter Horse trainers, also with 24 wins.