Turf Paradise business up

Turf Paradise's 167-day live race meet closed Sunday with gains in handle and attendance at the Phoenix track.

Ontrack handle increased 2 percent for a total in-state handle rise of 5 percent. Out-of-state handle rose 4 percent, contributing to an all-sources daily average that rose 4.5 percent, from $1,718,790 in 2002-03 to $1,796,762 in 2003-04.

Ontrack attendance rose 4 percent from the previous meet.

The track will continue with simulcast-only wagering until May 28.

Mick Ruis won the riding title with 132 victories despite shifting his tack to Southern California late in the meet. Troy Bainum won the training title with 79 victories, putting him 14 clear of runner-up Don Mills.