With the Northlands Park winter standardbred meet over, the financial numbers tell an interesting story
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The two-month, 24-card campaign ended Friday, February 28 with an overall meet handle of $2,849,152. That means the average Edmonton card garnered a handle of $118,714. In comparison, the 27-card 2008 fall harness meet at Northlands brought a total handle of $2,662,214. The per-card handle last fall was $98,600.
It all means the per-card handle during the 2009 winter meet in Edmonton jumped 20 per cent compared to last fall. Given the slumping economy, that is very good news.
"It's certainly a good sign," said Northlands chief racing executive Les Butler. "But it is all due to (extra) superfectas. That is what harness racing bettors want."
Northlands is allowed to place additional superfecta wagers on live cards this year.
(HRA/thehorses.com)