The New York Racing Association reported a rebound, at least in terms of total pari-mutuel handle, for the Belmont Park fall meet that ended Nov. 1.
Total wagering on live races over 38 programs was $315.8 million, up 7.2% from $294.7 million for the same number of days in 2014. This year's figure, however, is down 3.9% from $326.8 million for 37 days in 2013.
For the first time this year NYRA carded two rather than one "Super Saturday" programs of Breeders' Cup prep stakes, which contributed to the wagering increase this fall. For the second consecutive year, however, on-track handle on live races ($39.9 million) declined. NYRA in recent years has retooled its program to cluster major stakes and create "big event" days.
Purses, supplemented by revenue from video lottery terminals at the Resorts World Casino at Aqueduct Racetrack, totaled $28.9 million, down 1.7% from $29.4 last fall. Average field size of 8.22 was up from 8.02 for the 2014 fall meet.
