According to the New York Racing Association, on-track wagering at Saratoga Race Course remains positive compared to 2010 totals through week six (33 days) of the meet, despite the cancellation of racing Aug. 28 due to Hurricane Irene.
Attendance through week six (33 days) was 733,844, down 0.8% from 739,623 for 34 days in 2010. On-track handle totaled $103,165,617, up 4.3% from $98,900,040 last year.
Wagering at the downstate Belmont Café and Aqueduct simulcast facilities was $15,595,450, resulting in a combined on-track handle of $118,761,067, up 9.1% from $108,901,417 in 2010.
All-sources handle, which includes wagers on Saratoga races both on-track and from simulcast outlets nationwide, was $436,380,750, down 5.0% from $459,484,857 in 2010.
Average betting interests per race through 33 days of the meet were 8.1 (2,696 total) for 331 races compared to 8.3 (2,773 total) for 333 races in the 34 days of 2010. Turf races totaled 129 with 37 taken off the turf, compared to 150 on and 24 off the turf in 2010.
