Indiana Grand Racing & Casino recorded its best wagering week ever in handle to kick off the 18th season of Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing. Over the first four days of racing, a total of $9,867,445 was wagered on 35 Thoroughbred and 10 Quarter Horse races.
The previous best week of handle was recorded during Indiana Derby Week in 2019. A total of $8,673,496 was wagered over four days to establish a new record for most handle recorded in one week of racing.
“The reception of our racing program on a national level has been outstanding,” said Eric Halstrom, vice president and general manager of racing at Indiana Grand. “The entire team has worked through some very difficult times to ensure operations are meeting all requirements set by the state due to Covid-19 protocols. It's really rewarding to all of us to have racing fans be so invested in our racing product. It sure sets the tone for our entire season and we are working hard to keep that momentum going.”
One of the new facets of the racing program that has been popular this season is a new lower takeout on the Pick 5. Held on the last five Thoroughbred races daily, the wager provides a reduced takeout of 11.99 percent, one of the lowest in the country. Pools for the wager are averaging over 71,000 and payouts for the 50-cent minimum wager are averaging more than $3,100.
“We are trying to find ways to cater to our racing fans and providing a lower takeout on the Pick 5 is a great way to engage horseplayers,” added Halstrom. “We will continue to find ways to captivate our racing audience in all sorts of ways, both on track and through simulcasting.”
Live racing continues through Wednesday, Nov. 18 with action held Monday through Thursday beginning at 2:20 p.m. Four Saturday programs are slated for all-Quarter Horse days set for July 4, Aug. 8, Oct. 23 and Oct. 24.
The post Indiana Grand Opens To Record Wagering Totals; Handle Over $9.8 Million On First Four Cards appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
Source of original post
