Travers 2018 generates record-breaking all-sources handle

A blockbuster Saturday card at Saratoga, highlighted by Catholic Boy's victory in the 149th running of the Grade 1, $1.25 million Runhappy Travers, generated all-sources handle of $52,086,597, shattering the previous record set in 2015 by 4.9 percent.

All-sources handle, which exceeded the $50 million mark on Travers Day for the first time ever, surpassed the 2017 all-sources number by 8.8 percent.

On-track handle was $11,466,264, an increase of 5.6 percent over 2017, and just shy of 2015's $11,472,451.

A paid crowd of 49,418 witnessed Catholic Boy put away European invader Mendelssohn in the stretch to draw clear for a four-length victory in the Runhappy Travers, giving Hall of Fame jockey Javier Castellano his record sixth victory in the race.

The Runhappy Travers was one of six Grade 1 stakes on Travers Day, which also featured the Grade 1, $1 million Sword Dancer, the Grade 1, $700,000 Personal Ensign, the Grade 1, $600,000 Forego, the Grade 1, $500,000 Ketel One Ballerina and the Grade 1 $500,000 H. Allen Jerkens presented by Runhappy. The Travers Day card was rounded out by the Grade 2, $400,000 Woodford Reserve Ballston Spa.

The 2018 summer meet at historic Saratoga Race Course continues through Labor Day, Monday, September 3. For more information about Saratoga Race Course, visit NYRA.com.

• All-sources: $52,086,597
• On-track: $11,466,264

• All-sources: $47,870,987
• On-track: $10,862,095

• All-sources: $45,596,367
• On-track: $10,778,993

• All-sources: $49,668,754
• On-track: $11,472,451