The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) announced Friday that its 2022 race meets conducted at Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course generated all-sources handle of $2,321,863,828.
The year was highlighted by the summer meet at historic Saratoga Race Course, where all-sources wagering surged to a record $878,211,963 in 2022, eclipsing the previous high-water mark by nearly eight percent. In addition, the 2022 summer meet generated average daily handle of $21,955,299, which is the highest such figure in the history of Saratoga.
On-track handle in 2022, which includes New York residents wagering through NYRA Bets, totaled $291,438,542, or 9.2 percent higher than the 2021 total of $266,978,634.
Inclement weather forced the cancellation of six race days in 2022. As a result, NYRA conducted 196 live race days with average daily handle of $11,846,244.
Average field size for the 1,855 races contested in 2022 was 7.48, a 2.6 percent decrease from 2021 when average field size was 7.68.
Outside of the customary winter and spring/summer meets, the 2022 Belmont Park fall meet was held at Aqueduct Racetrack due to the construction of vehicular and pedestrian tunnels designed to unlock the 45-acre infield at Belmont. In addition to eventually providing access to fans and the surrounding community, these tunnels will allow NYRA to reconstruct the Belmont main track and two turf courses.
Substantial work on the existing racetracks will commence following the completion of the 2023 Belmont Park spring/summer meet.
In 2021, NYRA generated all-sources handle of $2,373,772,916 with average daily handle of $11,809,816 over 201 race days.
The 2023 winter meet at Aqueduct Racetrack continues through March 26 with live racing held four days a week in January and February before moving to three days a week in March.
Saturday's 10-race card features the $150,000 Jerome, a prep race on New York's Road to the Kentucky Derby awarding 10-4-3-2-1 qualifying points to the top-five finishers. In addition to the Jerome, the program co-features the re-scheduled $150,000 Queens County. First post is 11:50 a.m. Eastern.
America's Day at the Races will present live coverage and analysis of the Aqueduct winter meet on the networks of FOX Sports. For the broadcast schedule and channel finder, visit https://www.nyra.com/
NYRA Bets is the best way to bet every race of the Aqueduct Racetrack winter meet. Available to horse players nationwide, the NYRA Bets app is available for download today on iOS and Android at www.NYRABets.com.
The post NYRA Reports Slight Dip In Handle; $2.32 Billion Wagered Across All Sources In 2022 appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
