Keeneland attracts 2nd-highest fall-meet handle in track history
Keeneland closed a successful 2023 season Saturday producing total all-sources wagering of $201.7 million, the second-highest fall-meet handle and fourth-highest handle in the track’s history.
All-sources wagering for the 17-day fall meet Oct. 6-28, not including whole-card simulcasting at Keeneland, totaled $201,739,442, down 3.43 percent from last year’s fall-meet record $208,907,655.
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On-track wagering of $16,266,007 marked an increase of 5.96 percent from last year’s $15,351,232.
Jockeys Tyler Gaffalione and Luis Sáez, who finished one-two in the rider standings during the spring meet, resumed their battle for top honors this fall. Gaffalione secured the lead on closing day for his fourth fall-meet title and seventh overall. Gaffalione’s 25 wins were five better than Sáez.
Brad Cox scored three wins Thursday to extend his lead in the final days of the meet and earn his fourth consecutive fall-meet training title and fifth overall. His 13 wins were at least as many as any two other trainers. Chad Brown vaulted into second place with two wins Friday, and he finished the meet with seven. Four trainers, Steve Asmussen, Chris Hartman, Todd Pletcher and Brendan Walsh, tied for third with six wins each
Sheikh Mohammed’s Godolphin and Richard Rigney’s Rigney Racing tied for leading owner with four wins each.
Average daily purses of $1,135,604 during the fall-meet attracted full, competitive fields that averaged 9.1 starters per race.
This season, Keeneland offered 22 stakes worth a record $9.05 million. A total of $5.55 million was awarded during 11 stakes on opening weekend. Eight of the races were Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series stakes that secured for the winners automatic entry into the championships Friday and Saturday at Santa Anita.
“The fall meet was terrific from start to finish, and we are thankful for the strong support of our participants, fans and community,” Keeneland president and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “It was rewarding to see crowds line the rail through the very last race every day savoring all the excitement this season had to offer. And with the recent announcement of our new paddock building and saddling paddock enhancements, we look forward to offering even more unique experiences for our guests in the future.”