Bay Meadows Reports Slight Dip in Handle

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Bay Meadows reported a slight decrease in handle from 2002 for its recently completed 55-day spring meeting.

A total of $135.9 million was wagered on live and imported races in the northern California off-track network and through advance deposit wagering, compared with $137 million in 2002.

The rainiest April in 20 years and its effect on field size a possible reason for a 4.3 percent decrease in on-track and off-track wagering, officials said. Overall handle generated in Northern California was off a reported 0.8 percent.

Average on-track attendance of 3,331 reflected a decrease of 3.9 percent.

Hall of Fame jockey Russell Baze collected the 29th riding title of his career at Bay Meadows with 97 victories from 329 mounts, 45 more than runner-up Ron Warren.

Trainer Jerry Hollendorfer earned his 26th consecutive training title at Bay Meadows, with 55 wins from 240 starts, 21 ahead of Armando Lage.

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