Final figures have revealed that Zia Park had a significant 70% overall handle increase for its stakes-filled New Mexico Cup program Nov. 9.
A total of $1,020,004 was wagered on the 11-race program, compared to $601,154 a year ago.
The New Mexico Cup program hosted 11 stakes races for New Mexico-breds, with seven Thoroughbred races and four Quarter Horse races. The total purses paid on the program reached $1,850,000.
The card was highlighted by Joe Allen’s Peppers Pride, who notched her 18th win from as many career starts to extend her record for consecutive wins by a Thoroughbred. Pepper's Pride rallied from a striking position to win the $170,000 New Mexico Classic Cup Championship for fillies and mares at one mile.
Racing at Zia Park runs on a Saturday through Tuesday schedule with a 12:15 p.m. first post time. The season concludes Dec. 9.
Major races coming up at the New Mexico track include the $150,000, 1 1/16-mile Zia Park Derby Dec. 6. The next afternoon, older horses will go to post for the $200,000, 1 1/8-mile Zia Park Distance Championship.
