When Kentucky Downs holds its 21st meet in September, the Franklin, Ky. oval will have some of the lowest exotic takeout rates among U.S. tracks.
With live racing Sept. 7, 11, 14, 18 and 25, Kentucky Downs will be offering 10 races per day with an average daily purse structure of $900,000. The meet will be highlighted by the $400,000 Kentucky Turf Cup (gr. IIIT), the centerpiece of Kentucky Downs Million Day on Sept. 14. The 1 1/2-mile race is for 3-year-olds and up. With four $150,000 stakes also carded that day, total purses for the day will be $1,374,000.
A Kentucky Downs release said the 18.25% takeout on exacta wagers is the lowest in North America. The track will have a 14% takeout on its new Pick 5 bet, with a takeout rate of 16% on win, place and show wagering. There will be a 19% takeout on exotic wagers other than the exacta and Pick 5.
"Kentucky Downs offers some of the best betting value anywhere," Jeff Platt, president of the Horseplayers Association of North America, said in the Kentucky Downs release. "Exacta takeout is the lowest in North America. Combine that with a 19% takeout on other exotic bets and great average field size, and I am not surprised that the handle trend is up."
"HANA's recognition of our product offering means a great deal, because we want Kentucky Downs to be known as the 'horseplayers' racetrack,'" Kentucky Downs president Corey Johnsen said in the release. "Providing value to the betting public drives every decision we make. Our goal is to present quality racing run over a safe, consistent race course with an attractive takeout structure and wagering menu."
In addition to $2 Win, Place and Show wagering, Kentucky Downs will offer $1 Exacta wagers and $1 Rolling Daily Doubles, while minimum wagers of 50 cents will be available on the Trifecta, Pick 3, Superfecta, Pick 4, Pick 5 and Super Hi-5.
Kentucky Downs
Ron Mitchell