Emerald Downs Posts Increases in Handle, Purses for 2005

Emerald Downs closed its 2005 race meet Oct. 16 with record increases in both handle and purses, making it the most successful year in the track's 10-year history.

Total monies in purses increased 25.3% from $8,622,063 in 2004 with 90 days of racing to $10,809,929 in 2005 through 101 racing days.

The average daily purse monies distributed increased 10.5% per day from $96,877 in 2004 to $107,029 in 2005.

Total monies wagered on Emerald Downs from all sources increased 16.5% from $61,037,260 in 2004 to $80,737,030 in 2005.

Average daily handle increased 11.2% from $1,228,940 in 2004 to $1,380,732 in 2005.

On the racetrack, riders, trainers, owners and horses all set their own marks as well.

Leading rider Kevin Krigger set a new mark for the most amount of purse earnings accumulated through a race meet with $1,384,346.He was 126-132-93 from 719 mounts (18% win – 49% ITM).

The 2005 meeting also marked the first time three riders eclipsed the $1-million mark. Ricky Frazier produced $1,318,697, and Juan Gutierrez earned $1,075,047 in purses.

In the training ranks, Tim McCanna notched his sixth training title in 10 years; narrowly edging Frank Lucarelli with 54 wins to the latter's 53. Jim Penney was third in the standings with 49 victories.

In the earnings category, all three conditioners surpassed previous individual bests. Jim Penney led the way by setting a new season-long earning standard with $792,381 in earnings. The previous record was held by fellow state Hall of Fame trainer Bud Klokstad's $678,739.

McCanna had his best year in earnings at the Auburn oval with $696,009, as did Lucarelli with $609,514.

Ron Crockett Inc. captured the leading owner title with 21 wins to Sue and Tim Spooner's 19 victories and earned $354,364 in the process. It was the best of three titles earned by the track's president and he shattered the earnings mark once held by Homestretch Farms in 2000 ($226,320). Crockett's 21 wins is second only to West Ridge Farm's 23 victories in 2003 for most by an owner at Emerald Downs.