Total wagering handle and purse money paid out both showed increases as Emerald Downs wrapped up its 27th season of live racing Sunday in Auburn, Wash.
The total season handle of $67,686,501 is an increase of four percent from 2021, while the average daily handle of $1,301,663 is down two percent from the previous year but still up some 15 percent from pre-Covid in 2019.
On-track wagering showed a major boost in 2022—a whopping 32 percent increase—as Emerald Downs returned to its traditional racing schedule of Friday evenings and Saturday-Sunday afternoons.
Purses increased substantially in 2022 with $7,133,089 paid to owners—up a robust 26.5 percent over 2021. Additionally, out of state claiming horses received bonuses for racing at Emerald Downs.
Average field size was 6.41 horses with 2,726 starter in 425 races, down slightly from a 6.48 average in 2021.
On the track, jockey Alex Cruz captured his record-tying third straight title with 90 wins while trainer Jorge Rosales won his first Emerald Downs' title with 36 wins. Longacres Mile champion Slew's Tiz Whiz was voted Horse of the Meeting.
The post Emerald Downs Shows Gains In Handle, Purses appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
