The 2019 season at The Raceway at Western Fair District concluded with the highest all-sources handle for a single card in the history of The Raceway.
Patrons pushed $794,720 through the windows on New Year’s Eve over the 10-race card, with an average just shy of $80,000 wagered per race, also a record. The previous record handle was $765,685 over 16 races.
“New Years Eve’s record handle was a fantastic end to 2019, and a great way to cap off our fall meet,” said director of racing Rob Lumsden. “The Raceway would like to thank our horseplayers, horsepeople and dedicated Raceway team for all of their support. We look forward to continuing the momentum with all of your support in 2020 and beyond.”
The records didn’t stop there.
The month of December produced the highest wagering month ever at The Raceway.
The 13 cards produced an “all-sources” betting total of $5,841,958.02, a 67 per cent increase over 2018’s gross total of $3,496,890. Ten of the 13 cards reached over $400,000 in wagering.
The Raceway is also pleased to announce that wagering numbers were up significantly since the fall meet began.
The 2019 fall meet, which began on Oct. 4, featured 38 race cards and an “all-sources” betting total of $12,659,149.09, a 22.1 per cent increase over 2018.
The average per-race handle of $31,334.53 showed a 23.3 per cent increase over the 2018 average of $25,403.79.
The track’s schedule for this meet is now four days per week: Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays with a 6:15 p.m. first-race post time and Fridays beginning at 6:55 p.m.
(The Raceway at Western Fair District)
My congrats to WF for record
My congrats to WF for record handles. A reward for a job(s) well done by many. I add however, please don't attribute success to the ridiculous wait time from 0 minutes to post, to actual post time. Tuesday night's last race, it was 0 min to post at 10:08. The race got away at 10:18. Because Yonkers and Northfield do it, doesn't mean it is a good idea. Doubt if the drivers enjoy killing ten minutes in the winter cold, to squeeze the last $ for the High 5. Post time is Post time, they're off. Bettors adjust accordingly.