Tag: The Biz

Equibase, North American racing's official database, has released its November statistics for the industry's economic indicators, including field size, wagering, and other data, along with 2019 and 2020 comparables. The 2019 data is included as a pre-COVID-19 comparison.

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Impressive performances at the mutuel windows and on the track highlighted the 61st season of  Thoroughbred horse racing at Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack in Farmington, N.Y.

Despite one less day of racing, 89 in total, and 25 fewer races, all-sources total handle was $101,480,490, a spike of 16.5 percent. The average daily handle was $1,140,230 for the meet that concluded on Nov. 23. 

On-track wagering also saw a double-digit increase of 12.8%, with wagering of $1,969,344. There were a total of 730 races run during the meet. 

On the track, perennial leading trainer Chris Englehart took home yet another training title, his fifth in a row and 18th in  the past 20 years. The only interruption in his streak came in 2016 and '17 when his son, Jeremiah, saddled more  winners. Chris saddled 62 winners from 205 starters in 2022 (30%) and his purse earnings exceeded $1 million. He is  currently 11th all-time nationally in victories with 4,652. 

The last time someone not named Englehart won the Finger Lakes training crown was 2002, when Michael S. Ferraro  bested the Chris Englehart stable. 

Jon Buckley finished second in the standings, winning 47 times compared to 28 victories in 2021, and Michael S.  Ferraro was third with 44. 

Jockey Andre Worrie captured his first Finger Lakes riding title, winning 98 times from 438 mounts (22%). He had  purse earnings of $1,704,485. 

Luis Perez, the 2021 leading rider, finished second with 77 wins while John Davila Jr. was third at 71. The star of the Buckley stable, New York-bred Warriors Revenge, completed a perfect season by going 7-for-7. He  earned $88,080 for owner Windylea Farm LLC. The 5-year-old Warrior Reward gelding was ridden by jockey Kevin  Navarro. 

Four horses each won five races: Hit by a Wave, Acalteque, Sweet Shallots and Zircon. 

“Many thanks to all involved, including members of the Finger Lakes HPBA, who we work very closely with all season  long,” said Chris Riegle, President and General Manager of Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack. “We brought in a new  Director of Racing, Todd Haight, and Racing Secretary, Jerry Richards, and changes they implemented were  instrumental in our successful 2022 season. We look forward to seeing all our horsemen and racing fans back in 2023.” 

About Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack: In operation since 1962, the facility added gaming to its offering  in 2004 and expanded again in 2013 by adding 33,000 square feet with a $12 million expansion. FLGR is highlighted by over 1,100 gaming machines, the 448-seat Buffet, Remedy Bar & Lounge, as well as live and  simulcast thoroughbred racing. Gaming doors open at 8 a.m. and racing doors open at 11:30 a.m. daily. For  more information, visit www.fingerlakesgaming.com.

The post Wagering Up 16.5 Percent At Finger Lakes In 2022 appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Cody's Wish, the talented 4-year-old colt who shares an endearing bond with teenager Cody Dorman, has been voted the winner of the 2022 Secretariat Vox Populi Award. Created by Secretariat's owner Penny Chenery, the annual award recognizes the horse whose popularity and racing excellence best resounded with the public and gained recognition for Thoroughbred racing.

Owned by Godolphin, trained by Bill Mott, and ridden throughout the year by Junior Alvarado, Cody's Wish and his special story have gained affection and admiration that transcend the sport of racing. On the track, Cody's Wish's 2022 accomplishments featured four victories in five starts, including impressive performances in the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile and Forego Stakes. In addition to his racing success, it was his continuing connection with his now 16-year-old namesake Cody Dorman, who lives with a rare genetic disorder, that captured fans' hearts and an abundance of Vox Populi votes.

In 2018, Richmond, Kentucky native Dorman was offered a tour of Godolphin's Gainsborough Farm as part of Keeneland's Make-A-Wish Day. Dorman's condition, Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome, renders him unable to speak and relegates him to a wheelchair. During Dorman's visit to the farm, an inquisitive six-month-old foal walked over to young Cody and put his head in the boy's lap. And with that, the bay colt earned his name: Cody's Wish. Nearly four years later, the special bond and sweet interactions between the two continue, including just days before this year's Breeder's Cup when the now grown-up and strapping racehorse reconnected with his longtime pal.

“Cody's Wish and his namesake Cody Dorman forged an instant bond that would grow to connect millions of fans to their inspiring story of hope and determination,” said Kate Chenery Tweedy, daughter of Penny Chenery. “Not only did Cody's Wish win the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile, as Cody predicted, but both Cody's won the hearts of people everywhere. Their uplifting story exemplifies the best ideals of the Vox Populi Award, just as Mom wished.”

Godolphin Farm added, “We at team Godolphin are delighted that Cody's Wish was voted by the fans to be the recipient of the 2022 Vox Populi award. The story of the two Cody's bond for each other since the foal, Cody's Wish and the boy, Cody Dorman first met in 2018 is a magical one, culminating with the star athlete and the young man sharing the winners circle at the Breeders Cup.”

Cody's Wish, by leading sire Curlin and out of the Tapit mare Dance Card, clearly embodies the meaning of vox populi, Latin for “voice of the people.” The fifth-generation great-grandson of Secretariat garnered thousands of votes in the online public poll while besting the other 2022 nominees: the undefeated Breeders' Cup Classic winner Flightline, and Rich Strike, the 80-1 longshot winner of the 2022 Kentucky Derby.

Nominees for the award were submitted by the Vox Populi Committee, comprised of distinguished personalities from within and outside the racing industry. Voters also had the option to write in their own favorite candidate to recognize other exceptional horses.

The Vox Populi trophy presentation is scheduled to take place at Santa Anita Park on Jan. 14.

As the 2022 winner, Cody's Wish joins the celebrated roster of racing stars who previously received the Vox Populi Award: Hot Rod Charlie (2022), Authentic (2020), Bricks and Mortar (2019), Winx (2018), Ben's Cat (2017), California Chrome (2016 and 2014), American Pharoah (2015), Mucho Macho Man (2013), Paynter (2012), Rapid Redux (2011), and inaugural winner Zenyatta (2010).

A Personal Message from the Cody Dorman Family:

“We would like to extend our most heartfelt congratulations for winning the Vox Populi Award to a very special friend and horse that's not only dear to our hearts but to so many people around the globe as well. Thank you Cody's Wish for not only having the heart of a warrior on the track but even more so for having a heart of gold off of it.

You have not only inspired an amazing young man in Cody Dorman but you've touched the hearts of thousands of people in many walks of life. You've provided tears of joy, warmed hearts and provided a simple smile to so many.

Congratulations to Godolphin, and everyone involved in the care and training of Cody's Wish. And all of the people surrounding this magical story. And yes that includes everyone that's supported and cheered on Cody's Wish! This is what makes this award even more special.

The love shown between Cody and Cody's Wish is such a blessing. A blessing that shown up when nobody knew it was coming. An instant blessing between a special boy and a special horse that will be cherished for years to come.

God Bless you Cody's Wish. You'll forever be in the hearts of many.”

~ Your friend for life Cody Dorman & family, Kylie, Leslie & Kelly

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On the heels of a record-breaking summer meet, Del Mar's 2022 racing calendar closed strongly this weekend as the track's fall meet, the Bing Crosby Season, offered world-class turf racing, strong field size and safe racing. Total handle in 2022 was $744.68 million, a record amount wagered on Del Mar's races in a non-Breeders' Cup year.

Total handle for the four-week, 13-day fall session was $164.85 million with an average daily of $12.68 million, a 4.3% decrease from 2021, when Del Mar's fall race meet hosted the Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championships.

“We've been building momentum over the last few years, working hard to create a wonderful experience for racing fans and the horsemen and women who support our program,” said Del Mar Thoroughbred Club CEO Joe Harper. “While the business results are positive, we are exceptionally proud that we've been able to maintain our status as one of the safest racetracks in the country.”

Del Mar's horse recruitment initiatives, led by the track's popular Ship & Win program, continue to bolster the racing product and helped increase fall meet field size to 7.91 runners per race as compared to 7.76 in 2021. A total of 515 starters participated at Del Mar in the summer and fall of 2022 due to these horse recruitment efforts. Del Mar officials expect the majority of these runners will continue to compete in future Southern California race meets.

The track's autumn Turf Festival again drew high-class runners from across the country to participate in the nine stakes that were offered over the final two weekends of the meet.

With a closing day burst of six winners on the nine-race card, jockey Flavien Prat won his sixth Del Mar riding title by booting home 24 firsts in 86 mounts, an exceptional 36% win rate. Trainer Phil D'Amato captured 19 races during the 13-day session and took home his fourth Del Mar title.

“Once again, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club showcased world-class racing with an exemplary safety record,” said Thoroughbred Owners of California Chairman Gary Fenton. “They also contributed to our ecosystem by investing in industry beneficiary funds like 'Ship & Win.' It is great to partner with a track operator that consistently goes above and beyond what is required. Del Mar continues to show horsemen they want to be a big part of our future.”

Racing will return to Del Mar next July for the track's 84th summer season.

The post Del Mar Closes With Record Mutuel Handle For 2022 appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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