Big increase in Hawthorne total handle for the fall meet

[APCD Dan]

From Bloodhorse:

"With an average 9.01 starters per race for the fall meet, total handle rose 10.79% during the meet, as an average of $3,103,147 was wagered on Hawthorne's live races per day, up from the $2,800,840 average in 2004. Out of state handle provided the biggest boost, up 16.39% with an average of $2,549,257 wagered daily on Hawthorne's races, compared with $2,190,266 wagered per card in 2004. On-site handle slipped, as the average of $179,414 wagered this fall was down from the $199,250 wagered on-site at Hawthorne in 2004."

Hawthorne really gets their figures out fast.  The horses from the last race hadn't cooled down yet when the numbers were released to the press.

If Terry hadn't cut back by 20k a day on his betting, the on-site handle would have broken even.

My hat is off to Hawthorne with their big fields and simulcast handle this season.  Good work, Jim Miller, and the Hawthorne crew, especially, the racing secretary.

I hope all Illinois tracks have a good 2006!

[David]

They probably considered the calender year the end of the meet?

[Minidar]

Good for Hawthorne.  Now if they would get winter harness dates along with summer it would really be a giant.