"The previous Monday we set an all-time handle record of $2.3 million," Driscoll said. "So even a conservative estimate of $1.8 million in handle for the lost day would have put us up significantly."Driscoll credited the upgraded racing product at Kentucky Downs this year as well as wider distribution of its simulcast signal for the positive handle figures.
Despite losing one racing program because of inclement weather, total handle at Kentucky Downs managed a slight increase as compared to 2002.Track officials reported total handle for the six-day meet was $9,702,389, up about 1.8% from last year's total of $9,521,638 for seven days of live racing. On-track handle was $372,220, down from last year's total of $391,293.Heavy rain caused Kentucky Downs to cancel one program, which could not be made up because of scheduling conflicts. Ryan Driscoll, general manager of Kentucky Downs, said he estimates total handle would have been up about 22% without the lost day.
