Turfway: Machado is top rider for meet, Foster takes training title

Turfway Park concluded its 50-day winter/spring meet Saturday, posting  17.1 percent increase in all-sources handle and awarding competitors $18.8 million in prize money.

In total, more than $170 million was wagered at the meet, nearly $25 million more than 2023. Along with the sizable handle increase, the connections who raced at Turfway Park were rewarded with $18.8 million in prize money across 438 races. Purses include funds from the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund. Turfway Park operated two days more than in 2023 and saw an increase of 152 starters.

“Our successful season at Turfway Park would not be possible without the support of all owners, trainers, jockeys and horseplayers,” said Chip Bach, general manager at Turfway Park. “The racing product at Turfway Park has continued to thrive, thanks to the continued investments from Churchill Downs Incorporated and our dedicated staff here at Turfway Park.”

Jockey Luan Machado was a dominant force in the rider standings throughout the winter/spring meet, tallying 62 wins from 289 starts. Machado’s win total was 25 more than runner-up Gerardo Corrales, and his mounts earned $2.3 million. This was Machado’s fourth leading rider title at Turfway Park.

Trainer Eric Foster notched his first title at Turfway Park, winning 15 races from 86 starts. Foster finished one win ahead of Brad Cox and three in front of Juan Cano and John Ennis. Foster’s horses banked $837,777 in purse money while winning at 17 percent.

Christina Estvanko and Margo Scott led owners with eight wins. The partnership’s horses made 37 starts and earned $176,177. The duo finished two wins in front of Dede McGehee and Ruis Racing.

Horses will remain stabled at Turfway Park during the spring and summer with racing set to resume on Nov. 27.