The Woodlands: Big gains at gate, windows

The Woodlands, in Kansas City, Kan., handled an average of $196,984 a day on its races from all sources, which represented a 103 percent increase over the corresponding meet in 2002, according to general manager Jim Gartland.

Offtrack, handle on The Woodlands races averaged $135,000 a day, a 178 percent increase over 2002.

Attendance during the 30-day mixed meet for Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses averaged just over 1,400 patrons a day, up 22 percent over 2002.

Gartland said the track was able to increase the number of simulcast outlets taking its races, and ontrack, the weather was more cooperative than last year, when there were several days of rain.

Next year, The Woodlands will race from Sept. 20 to Oct. 31.

Jockey Ken Shino continues to be the dominant riding force at Woodlands, where he picked up his sixth title on Saturday. Shino won 36 races for mount earnings of $248,287. Shino plans to take some time off this winter and return to competition at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Ark.

The second leading rider was Alex Birzer, who won 21 races.

Among trainers, Kenneth Gleason edged his cousin, Tim Gleason, by one win to capture the title. Kenneth Gleason won 17 races and his stable earned $162,082.