Total wagering, average daily handle down at winter meet

OZONE PARK, N.Y. - All-sources handle at Aqueduct’s winter meet was $260,157,869, a 3.1 percent decrease from the 2023 figure of $268,596,695, according to figures provided Tuesday by the New York Racing Association.

Ontrack handle was $25,195,179, a 3.2percent decline from the $26,030,989 handled ontrack in the winter of 2023.

A total of 384 races were conducted over 45 race days from Jan. 1 through Sunday, compared to 330 races run over 42 days during the period of Jan. 1-March 26 in 2023. Thus, average daily handle was down 9.6 percent from $6,395,159 in 2023 to $5,781,286 this winter.

There were three weather-related cancellations this winter - though one card was added to the schedule - compared to two cancellations last winter.

There was one racing-related equine fatality during the 2024 winter meet, compared to six fatalities last winter.

Dylan Davis finished as the winter meet’s leading rider with 54 wins, two more than Kendrick Carmouche.

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Linda Rice edged David Jacobson, 23-22, for leading trainer despite Jacobson winning five races on Sunday’s final card.

Jacobson did finish as the meet’s leading owner with 18 wins, eight more than Seth Klarman’s Klaravich Stables.

Aqueduct’s 16-day spring meet begins Thursday. Aqueduct will also host what is typically the Belmont Park spring meet beginning May 2.

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