Track sees handle soar

Zia Park made a significant effort to increase the distribution of its signal during its 2006 meet, and the move paid off as the track reported that average daily handle on its races nearly doubled from its inaugural season in 2005.

During its 49-date mixed meet for Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses that ended Tuesday, Zia handled an average $424,109 a day on its races from all sources this meet, an increase of 85 percent from the $229,397 bet daily on Zia races last year. Ontrack bettors accounted for $67,498 of the amount bet on the track's races each day.

Purses averaged $247,844 a day.

Henry Dominguez won the training title with 42 wins and stable earnings of $910,010, totals that include races for both Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses. The leading overall jockey was Roman Chapa, who won 44 races, counting races for both breeds.

Ken Tohill was the leading Thoroughbred rider this meet, while Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and Rita J. Danley tied for leading owner.