Saratoga Numbers Rebound After Slow Start
by Ron Mitchell
Date Posted: 8/16/2006 10:48:57 AM

After a slow start, the Saratoga season has rebounded and appears on solid ground as it enters the second half of the meet.

According to New York Racing Association figures, average daily on-track attendance of 28,258 through the first 17 days is down a nominal 1.53% from the 28,696 average for the 18 days of the first half of the 2005 meet. While average daily on-track handle is nearly even with last year, average daily all-source handle on Saratoga races (excluding imported simulcasts) is up 4.14% to $15,397,635.

"From a business standpoint, we have made a terrific comeback following a slow start," said Bill Nader, NYRA senior vice president and COO. "We were down over 14% in average attendance and over 10% in average on-track wagering after the first week and now at the midway point, we are close to even in both categories. Overall wagering has moved from being down 3% after the first week to an increase of 4% as we make the turn for the second half."

Nader noted that average field size of 8.7 horses per race is extraordinary for a meet with Saratoga's stature" and is up 4.42% over the same period one year ago. Average daily purses are also up 4.36% to $662,280.

"We have a realistic chance now to finish this meet ahead in every key category, something that looked impossible after the first week," Nader said. "The racing has been very strong and we are optimistic as we move on to races like the Alabama, Personal Ensign, Travers, King's Bishop, Woodward, Forego, Spinaway and Hopeful."

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