Aqueduct: All-sources handle climbs 2.5% at winter meet

The New York Racing Association's 2021-22 Aqueduct winter meet, which ran from Dec. 9 through March 27, generated all-sources handle of $358,836,940, a 2.5 percent increase from the 2020-21 winter meet.

That figure was achieved despite running four fewer race days than 2020-21. Originally scheduled to be held over 56 days, NYRA was forced to cancel six race days during the 2021-22 winter meet because of adverse weather conditions. As a result, the winter meet was contested over 50 live race days.

Average daily handle for the 2021-22 winter meet was $7,176,739, a 10.7 percent increase from 2020-21. Since 2018-2019, average daily handle at the Aqueduct winter meet has risen 28.3 percent.

On-track handle, which includes wagering from New York residents using NYRA Bets, was $35,667,627, a 43.3 percent increase from the 2020-21 meet, which was held without on-track spectators because of the COVID pandemic.

Average field size over the 438 races was 7.38, which compares with 7.25 for the 2020-21 winter meet.

Highlighted by the Grade 2 Wood Memorial on April 9, the 15-day Aqueduct spring meet kicks off Thursday and runs through April 24. Live racing will be conducted Thursday-Sunday with a first post of 1:20 p.m. EDT on most days.