AWESOME JOB SANTA ANITA

All-Sources Handle at Santa Anita Hits $1 Billion Mark
Handle reported is an 8% increase over 2017.


With a closing day Pick Six pool of $6,022,040 adding an exclamation point to the conclusion of Santa Anita Park's Winter/Spring Meet, all sources pari-mutuel handle for the 102-day run dating back to Dec. 26, exceeded the $1 billion mark, an eight percent increase over a year ago. With overall on-track attendance showing a one percent increase, Sunday's all sources handle of $18,534,801, which included a near-$10 million increase over the corresponding date from a year ago, helped to contribute to a meet-end handle total of  $1,018,268,136. 

Due to a more than $75 million increase in overall handle, Santa Anita announced a purse increase of 10%, effective June 1 through closing day, which facilitated in attracting larger, more competitive fields to close the meet out. 

Kentucky Downs
"We've said this consistently, our customers are the economic engine that drives our business," said Tim Ritvo, chief operating officer for The Stronach Group (TSG). "We want to sincerely thank all of our fans, those here on-track and around the country for supporting our racing in such a substantial way from late December through today.

"We also want to thank the owners and trainers and all of our staff for their support and cooperation. We have many stake holders and together, we feel we can accomplish great things and build upon what we've been able to establish these past six months.

"Looking forward, our goals are to provide safe surfaces and larger, more attractive fields to bet on. We've very optimistic for the future and we look forward to welcoming everyone back for our Autumn Meet in late September."

Santa Anita's vice president, racing and racing secretary, Rick Hammerle was quick to acknowledge the pivotal role Santa Anita's turf course played in the Winter/Spring Meet's overall success.

"We ran 70 more races on the grass than we did over the same time frame a year ago and we've got to give our Turf Superintendent Jesse Martinez and his crew a ton of credit," said Hammerle. "Our customers want larger, competitive fields and grass racing really helps us to provide that. Without a doubt, the MVP's of this meet are the main track and turf crews who gave us safe and consistent surfaces for the entire six-month season.

"To run as often as we did on the main track and turf, you need great people. Right from the top, with our track superintendent Dennis Moore overseeing everything, to Jesse and his guys, they really made this happen. Without their dedication and work ethic, and the commitment of their staff, we would not have been able to present as many turf races as we did this season and Santa Anita management is indebted to all of them."