Despite the downturn in the North American economy, wagering figures on simulcast and live racing in Alberta to start this year are encouraging

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Overall handle in the province -- on live and simulcast racing combined -- as February 8 came in at $15,225,124, which is an increase of $66,620 over the same period in 2008.

"I think we were all holding our breath to see what the recession would do to us," said Dr. David Reid, CEO of Horse Racing Alberta. "[The handle numbers] are a good sign for us."

On the live product at Northlands Park, the handle on standardbred racing is up in two categories. After the first 16 cards of the winter meet -- up to and including the February 11 program -- $1,890,396 has been wagered. Compared to the first 16 cards of the 2008 fall meet, that's an increase of $229,748. On a per-card basis, $118,149 is being pushed through the windows this winter. In simple math, the per-card handle has jumped 14% this meet compared to last fall.

One reason for the increase is surely the change in the exotic betting rules, allowing unlimited superfectas on cards and reducing the number of starters needed per race to offer certain wagers. Those rules became effective January 1.

(Horse Racing Alberta)