Thistledown business increases over all

Although ontrack business declined, Thistledown had a gain in all-sources handle for its 120-day meet that ended Nov. 5. The meeting averaged $664,400 daily overall on its live races in 2011, an increase of 10 percent over 2010 business.

A 5.7 percent drop in ontrack handle, which averaged $59,707 daily, was more than offset by an 11.9-percent gain in offtrack handle on Thistledown races, an average of $604,693.

Yamil Rosario was Thistledown’s leading jockey, compiling 111 wins from 341 mounts. Finishing second for the year was Luis Gonzalez, who posted 92 wins from 387 mounts. Among Gonzalez’s wins were eight of the 17 stakes run at Thistledown this year.

Saddling 62 winners from 296 starters, Jeff Radosevich was the leading trainer at Thistledown for the fifth time, adding the 2011 title to consecutive titles earned from 2005 through 2008. Jamie Ness, principal trainer for Midwest Thoroughbreds Inc., finished second with 56 winners from 113 starters.

Midwest Thoroughbreds Inc., owned by Richard Papiese, was the year’s leading owner with 56 winners from 113 starters. Bruno Schickedanz was second with 29 winners from 165.