Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course posted a record daily average pari-mutuel handle for its 197-night meet in 2013, a track official said Dec. 30.
The average daily live handle of $1,078,543 for the meet also represented a 6.4% increase versus the 2012 comparative figures.
All-time Penn National wagering records set on Penn Mile day, June 1, included the highest total handle on the live product ($3,658,996, eclipsing the 1998 record of $2,173,921); the highest single-race total handle ($1,139,478); the highest on-track live handle ($225,136) since the casino opened; and the highest Pick 4 wagering pool ($199,514).
"This season definitely exceeded expectations," said Chris McErlean, vice president of racing for Penn National Gaming Inc., parent company of Penn National. "A terrific new racing event was created that should have even more growth potential going forward, and the entire racing team, along with the strong support of our horsemen, did a great job in putting together a solid product throughout the season."
Leaders for the 2013 racing season included jockey David Cora with 178 wins in 932 starts; trainer John Locke with 90 wins in 571 starts; and owner Rock Bottom Ranch with 32 wins in 104 starts. Reign Suzanne had the most wins by a horse at the meet with eight in 14 starts, moving from maiden-claiming company to a late-fall stakes appearance for trainer Sandee Beattie.
Penn National will conduct a 200-night live meet in 2014 with opening night Jan. 2. The Pennsylvania racetrack will operate on a Wednesday-through-Saturday schedule through most of the season. First post time will be 6 p.m. Eastern time.
