Aqueduct steps into a profitable new season
Compared to the 2011 season, the New York Racing Association has started off with a kick at the dawn of the new season with money flowing in due to the extension in facilities along with horse racing friendly weather that has promised a constant stream
of audience.
There has been a 2.7% boost in the average daily on track handle from the previous year, which measures up to $806,811. There have been relatively less cancellations during, 2012, at this time of the year, whereas in January, 2011 there were three
cancellations owing to the weather those also over weekdays.
The sums of total handling which is also inclusive of wagering has gone up from $110,556,714 last year to $117,841,942 this year is reflective of the 6.6% rise from the last year.
“The good news is we had a very good month, we were stronger at the end of the month than the beginning so it’s encouraging,” president and CEO of NYRA, Charles Hayward commented. “As we discussed many times the racing from last year we had to improve
over and I think we’ve demonstrated that’s the case.”
Yet two more factors that led to the 2012 financial burst was an additional racing day during January that interpreted into ten more races, taking the 7.55 average field size of last year up to 7.77 this year.
The recent inauguration of a casino at the track, pulled in more money coming, which has increased the purses by 36%. On 27th April, when the Belmont Park opens, there is another influx expected that would boost the purse a
second time.
The Grade 1 stakes that are arced at Aqueduct include Carter Handicap, Cigar Mile Handicap, Wood Memorial Stakes and the Gazelle Stakes. The racing season at the race track usually starts from late October or early November through April.
The track has kicked off with a profitable start in February which last year suffered with two days’ cancellation due to snow.
Starting off good has made NYRA confident about their operations, and has given the courage to hope and wish for the high yields to keep coming in for the rest of the year.
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