Belmont Park’s abbreviated Spring/Summer Meet generated $15,466,198 in average daily handle from all sources, a 42% increase over the 2019 spring/summer meet. Held over 25 days and without spectators due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the live meet marked the return of professional sports to the New York area and was conducted with strict health and safety protocols in place.
“We would like to thank the horseplayers for their enthusiastic support of New York racing during this most unusual spring/ summer meet,” said NYRA President and CEO Dave O’Rourke. “That we were able to resume racing on June 3, and usher in the return of professional sports in New York, reflects the dedication and professionalism of the racing community during these uncertain and challenging times.”
All sources handle during this year’s spring/summer meet totaled $386,654,955. Average field size over the 248 races carded was 8.61.
The 2019 spring/summer meet, which was contested over 48 live race days, generated all-sources handle of $524,051,324 and average daily handle of $10,917,736. With 448 races run, the average field size was 6.98.
Racing shifts upstate for the 40-day Saratoga meeting which begins Thursday. Under current New York State guidelines, the track will open without spectators in attendance.
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