For the fourth consecutive year Keeneland is the top-rated racetrack under the Horseplayers Association of North America racetrack ratings system.
The HANA Track Ratings are based on an algorithm designed by HANA board member Bill Weaver, a retired engineer. Using studies and empirical data directly correlated to horseplayer value and pari-mutuel handle—pari-mutuel takeout rate, field size, wager variety, pool size, and signal distribution are key factors—a composite score is tabulated and the tracks are ranked.
Others in the top five are Tampa Bay Downs (second, up from third last year); Gulfstream Park (third, up from fifth in 2011); Churchill Downs (fourth, down from second); and Oaklawn Park (fifth, up from ninth last year). HANA said that in terms of “medium-sized tracks,” Sam Houston Race Park, Hawthorne Race Course, and Turfway Park were highly ranked.
“With takeout rates of no higher than 19% on any bet, a field size of 9.51 horses per race, and an almost 10% increase in handle in 2011, Keeneland came out on top.” HANA president Jeff Platt said.
“We are so humbled to once again receive this honor,” Keeneland president and chief operating officer Nick Nicholson said. “This ranking is very important to us for many reasons, especially because we have enormous respect for HANA and its mission to give horseplayers a voice in our sport
“It is equally gratifying that we can attain the top ranking while maintaining the emphasis on the health and well-being of our equine and human athletes, as well as wagering integrity on our racing product.”
The complete list of 2012 racetrack ratings is available here.
The methodoloy used for the system is available at the HANA website in the player resource section.
