Delta Downs closed its 2012-13 Thoroughbred meeting Saturday, March 23 with healthy gains in handle throughout the 87-day stand, which began October 19.
All-sources handle for the season was $141,735,025, up 12.52% compared with the 2011-12 meeting that produced $125,963,850. This year's daily average handle from all sources was $1,629,138, or 13.81% higher than last year's daily figure of $1,431,407.
The largest portion of increased handle for this year came off track, as the daily average simulcast handle during the meet was $1,599,553 compared with last year's figure of $1,402,708. The percentage increase for daily simulcast handle was 14.03%.
On-track handle also enjoyed an increase as local fans averaged $29,584 in wagers per day, which was 3.08% better than last year's number of $28,699.
"We are so proud of our entire team who worked tirelessly to make this season one of the best in track history," said Delta Downs general manager Steve Kuypers. "Local fans have enjoyed live racing for years at Delta Downs but now the entire racing world is realizing the tremendous product we offer. We look forward to building upon this year's success even more in the future."
In all, Delta Downs hosted 897 races during the season which included a total of 8,139 starters. The average number of starters per race was 9.07.
One of the reasons for Delta Downs' handle success in recent years has been the development of the track's signature event, Delta Downs Jackpot Day. This year marked the 10th anniversary of the $1,000,000 Delta Downs Jackpot (gr. III) race in November and the live program, which included two graded stakes races and more than $2.2 million in total purse money, produced all-sources handle of $4,359,362. It was the second-highest single day handle in track history dating to 1973.
Delta Downs is preparing for its 2013 Quarter Horse season that will begin on Friday, April 26. The 46-day meeting will feature live racing Wednesdays through Saturdays with first post time scheduled for 6:45 p.m. CDT.
