All-Source Handle, Attendance Improve at Turfway Park

Officials at Turfway Park are attributing an increase in attendance and overall all-source handle to a combination of factors, including favorable weather, larger race fields, success of the Kentucky Cup day program, and special marketing and events for Friday night cards.

Boosted by a 27.7% increase in out-of-state betting, the total wagered on Turfway Park's live races from all sources totaled $53,464,624, a 22% increase over 2002. An additional 7.9% increase in wagering at Kentucky's four off-track betting sites and the out-of-state betting offset a drop in on-track wagering on Turfway races of slightly less than 1% and a 5.7% decline in wagering on Turfway races at other in-state tracks.

Aveage purses declined 3.2% from 2002, but field sizes increased 9% to average 9.2 runners per race. On-track attendance rose 9.4% during live racing

Rafael Bejarano, who arrived after the meet started and missed the final five days while suspended, was leading rider with 27 wins, 18 seconds, and 20 thirds from 97 starts. For the eighth consecutive Turfway meet, Bernie Flint was leading trainer, with nine wins, nine seconds, and six thirds from 36 starters. Ken and Sarah Ramsey led all owners with five wins from 12 starters.