Turfway handle jumps 62% in winter-spring meet
Turfway Park’s 48-day winter-spring meet concluded Saturday with a 62 percent gain in all-sources handle and 43 percent increase in purse money awarded.
In total, more than $145 million was wagered at the meet, nearly $56 million more than 2022. Along with the sizable handle increase, the connections who raced at Turfway Park were rewarded with more than $19 million in prize money, an increase of more than $5.5 million. Totals include funds from the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund. Turfway Park ran nine more days than in 2022 and had an increase of more than 900 starters.
“The racing season at Turfway Park Racing & Gaming was a huge success across the board,” Turfway Park president Michael Taylor said. “Our team at Turfway Park delivered a competitive racing product while welcoming back fans to our newly renovated facility.”
Turfway Park’s meet was highlighted by Two Phil’s victory in the Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3), a road to the Kentucky Derby qualifier.
Five-pound apprentice jockey Walter Rodriguez led the standings with 48 victories from 250 starts. Rodriguez’s outstanding meet was highlighted by victories in the Dust Commander Stakes and Wishing Well Stakes.
In the trainer standings, Wesley Ward topped all conditioners with 22 wins, seven more than Paulo Lobo and Bill Morey. Among Ward’s 22 victories were from his trainees Eye Witness in the Animal Kingdom Stakes, Sunday Shoes in the Serena’s Song Stakes and Funtastic Again in the Leonatus Stakes.
Ward also tied for the leading owner with six wins. But his client, Roy Jackson’s Lael Stables, broke the tie for the champion owner with the highest earnings of $341,365. Kirk Wycoff’s Three Diamonds Farm also tabbed six victories at the meet.
The average 50-cent Pick 5 during the meet returned more than $10,000 and the average Single 6 Jackpot payout returned more than $19,000. The average win payout was a stout $14.85.
Horses will remain stabled at Turfway Park during the spring and summer. Racing is set to resume on Wednesday, Nov. 29.