During the course of 284 live racing dates -- 168 for Standardbreds and 116 for Thoroughbreds -- a record $99.9 million in purse money, including stakes, was paid to horsemen. Monmouth Park saw increases in attendance up 11.3 percent, and handle, up 5.2 percent, as well as records for purse distribution, $25.3 million, and simulcast exports, $219 million, for the 72-day season.The Meadowlands Thoroughbred meet also recorded increases in on-track handle, up 15.5 percent, and total handle, up 25.7 percent, spurred by the highest average daily purses, $368,559, in New Jersey racing history.
Total wagering at the racetracks of the New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority -- Monmouth Park and the Meadowlands -- exceeded $1.5 billion in 2001.On-site wagering reached a record $810,600,00 with another $764,488,000 bet on the NJSEA's races exported to other venues for a combined record handle of $1,575,088,000. A total of 2,937,333 racing fans poured through the gates at both the Meadowlands and Monmouth Park for the presentation of live and simulcast racing, generating $810 million in on-site handle, which has increased 14 percent since 1996.
