Tampa's Florida Cup Handle Soars 42%

Handle soared 42% for Tampa Bay Downs' second Florida Cup Day Sunday, when $3,832,790 was wagered on a card that featured six stakes races with purses that totaled $504,900.

The $1,143,943 increase will get larger as final Canadian pools are totaled and converted. Last year $2,688,847 was wagered on the inaugural event. Attendance was 6,729 up 5% or 350 from last year's 6,379 attendance.

"We're very pleased," said track vice president and general manager Peter Berube. "With so much going on in the area it's very gratifying to see attendance up. It's also a validation of where the track is going with local horses doing so well."