Smaller fields contribute to handle decline at Los Alamitos September meet
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The six-day Los Alamitos September Thoroughbred meeting that ended on Sunday showed a decline in handle compared to the corresponding season in 2025 but an increase compared to 2024, according to figures compiled by Daily Racing Form.
Handle on Los Alamitos races was more than $14.7 million, or a daily average of $2,461,785, compared to an average of $2,796,515 in 2025 and $1,971,956 in 2024.
The decline this year can be partially attributed to average field sizes. Higher field sizes make races more attractive to bettors.
This year, Los Alamitos ran 51 races that averaged 6.92 runners per race compared to an average of 7.7 runners per race in 2025 and 6.38 runners per race in 2024.
All three seasons were held on a Friday-through-Sunday basis for two weeks.
On the track, Kazushi Kimura led all riders with seven wins, the fifth time the 27-year-old has won or led the standings at a Los Alamitos meeting. Edgar Payeras and Armando Aguilar finished in a tie for second with five wins.
Peter Miller led all trainers with four wins, his 10th title at Los Alamitos. There was a four-way tie for second with three wins between Bob Hess Jr., Jesus Uranga, Ryan Hanson, and Genaro Vallejo.
Los Alamitos will host a two-week Thoroughbred meeting from Dec. 4-13. The season is highlighted by two Grade 2 races for 2-year-olds at 1 1/16 miles worth $200,000 – the Starlet for fillies and the Futurity.
The track continues its year-round evening meeting for Quarter Horses and lower-level Thoroughbreds on Saturday.
Santa Anita begins its six-week fall meeting on Friday.
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