Woodbine 2019 handle declines 3.2 percent on 45 fewer races

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Wagering on the 2019 Woodbine Thoroughbred meet produced all-sources handle of $516,189,880, which is the second-largest handle in track history and the third straight year that it exceeded a half-billion dollars.

The 131-day meet had 1,212 races, 45 fewer than last year, which contributed to the all-sources handle being down 3.2 percent compared to 2018. The average field size per race was 8.2 horses, compared to 8.3 last year. There were two canceled cards.

International wagering on Woodbine Thoroughbred racing generated a handle of $402,370,379.

Home market wagering, which is defined as all betting in Ontario on live Woodbine Entertainment Thoroughbred racing, was $92,472,151.

The average handle per race in 2019 was $425,898, compared to $424,239 in 2018, which was a slight increase of 0.4 percent.

Woodbine’s handle during the test period (Oct. 18 to Dec. 15) for the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario rule that limits urging only to underhand use of the crop was not negatively impacted. In fact, average handle per race during the test period increased.

The Queen’s Plate card generated a record handle for the day of $18,005,973, an increase of 23 percent compared to the 2018 Plate card.

The new inner turf course and the main turf course combined for a record 363 races, with a total handle of $153,726,252. The average field size for turf racing was 8.5.

“It was an extremely busy year for Thoroughbred racing at Woodbine, and we are very proud of our accomplishments,” said Jim Lawson, CEO of Woodbine Entertainment. “However, we are experiencing challenges in horse supply, and home market area wagering. We look forward to continuing our collaborative approach in working with our stakeholders to focus on addressing those challenges and growing horse racing for a sustainable future for decades to come.”

The retiring Eurico Da Silva led the jockey standings with 182 wins. Rafael Hernandez rode 164 winners, and top apprentice Kazushi Kimura ranked third with 146 victories.

Norm McKnight led the trainer standings with 103 wins, 11 more than Mark Casse. Marty Drexler was third with 63 triumphs.

Bruno Schickedanz led all owners with 54 wins. Chiefswood Stables was second with 28 tallies, and Stronach Stables ranked third with 24 wins.