A reduction in the number of racing days from 60 in 2012 to 49 last year resulted in average daily gains in wagering and purses at Portland Meadows.
All sources handle totaled $22,438,272 during the 2013-14 Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse meet that concluded Jan. 26, for an average daily handle of $457,924. This represents a 49.6% increase from the average daily handle of $306,182 from the 2012 summer/fall meet.
A total of $2,722,760 was paid in out in purses during the season for an average purse payout of $56,724 per race day. This represents an increase from last season's per race day payout which was $39,558.
The average number of starters per race increased from 6.72 during the 2012 meet to 7.56 this season.
"We worked together with our partners in racing and with their financial support along with a reduction in live race days we were able to significantly raise purses on a daily basis," said Portland Meadows general manager Will Alempijevic.
"The increased purses had a clear positive affect on the quality and appeal on our live races," he added. "Combined with a shift in our racing schedule to focus on customer demand and the availability of horse supply we realized significant year over year increases in handle."
Jockey Eliska Kubinova took home her first riding title as she led the Thoroughbred standings with 55 wins. Jim Fergason had 34 wins to win the Thoroughbred training title.
