Del Mar Thoroughbred Club reported increases in every key statistical category during the first five days of the California track's 2013 meet.
According to information released by the association July 21, all-sources handle totaled $65,222,976 for a daily average $13,044,595, up 5% from the 2012 five-day total of $62,098,605 and $12,419,721 average.
By category, Del Mar said on-track handle rose 3.3% to $13,680,735, compared with $13,247,840 for the first five days of 2012, and Advanced Deposit Wagering totaled $16,452,878 ($3,290,576 average), a 14.8% increase over the $14,330,520 (average $2,866,104) wagered during the same period a year ago.
Attendance was up slightly, from 107,336 last year to 108,165 this year, for a five-day average of 21,633.
With 398 starters in the 45 races contested during the July 17-21 period this year, Del Mar had an average 8.8 horses per race, compared with 8.2 per race for the first five days of 2012.
According to The Jockey Club Information Systems, Del Mar kicked off the meet with daily average purses of $628,915, compared with a five-day average $587,015 in 2012.
The association reported 28 horses, including six winners, qualified for Del Mar's "Ship and Win" program for the first five days. Under that program, Del Mar provides a $1,000 starter fee for all out-of-state horses, as well as a 33 1/3% bonus on top of first-race purse earnings.
The meet resumes Wednesday, July 24.
Del Mar racing.
Benoit Photography