Average total handle for the 2004 Thoroughbred season at Monmouth Park and the Meadowlands was $2,649,490, besting that same 2003 number by $359,300 per day. Average on-track handle cam ein at $623,831 while average attendance was 7,683.
The New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority's two racetracks, Monmounth Park and the Meadowlands, posted across the board gains for the 2004 Thoroughbred season, which concluded Nov. 13 at the Meadowlands. With 119 full Thoroughbred racing dates in 2004 -- 87 at Monmouth Park and 32 at the Meadowlands -- the racetracks combined for a 15.7% increase in total handle, 2.9% in on-track handle, and a slight gain of less than 1% in attendance, according to a release from the sports and exposition authority."Both meets saw gains in on-track and total handle and that's something we can build on for next year," said Robert Kulina, vice president of Thoroughbred racing for the NSJEA. "The purse supplement aided in promoting quality racing, and quality racing sells. We're pleased to have more fans attend the races this year and very happy that our live product continues to attract more wagering dollars from across the country."