NYRA Concludes Record-Setting 2015 Meet
Updated: September 8, 2015 at 8:31 pm
The 147th Saratoga racing meet came to a close Monday with a record handle of $648,272,805, which is a 13.5% increase from last year’s all-source wagering. This marked a significant jump from the previous record of $590,187,876 set in 2012.
On-track handle also set a new racord of $157,547,599, compared to the 2012 record of $150,637,998. The 2015 meet also saw record purses, a double-digit increase in dining and consessions revenue and an rise in paid attendance, which totaled 1,065,625 for the 40-day session.
“The 2015 season at Saratoga Race Course was truly fabulous and is one which we won’t soon forget,” said NYRA CEO and President Chris Kay. “Our fans enjoyed 40 days of world-class Thoroughbred racing, spectacular weather and a series of guest enhancements to this venerable sporting venue. All of us at the New York Racing Association are deeply appreciative of the support we have received from the owners, trainers, jockeys, stakeholders, fans and the community as a whole during this historic season at Saratoga. Their dedication to the industry and love for the sport continue to cement Saratoga as the premier race meet in North America.”
The meet was highlighted by a sold out crowd of 50,000 who gathered to see Triple Crown winner American Pharoah (Pioneerof the Nile) run in the GI Travers S. Aug. 29, just one day after 15,000 people packed the grandstand to watch the champion’s morning gallop. The Zayat Stables homebred finished a valiant second to Keen Ice (Curlin), who came running late to record the the fastest winning Travers time in 14 years.
The Travers day card, which featured a total of six prestigious Grade I events, reached an all-source wagering record of $49,668,754, which was a 24.5% increase over Travers day 2014.
“On behalf of the men and women of the New York Racing Association and the fans of our great sport, I again would like to express my deep and abiding appreciation to owner Ahmed Zayat, his son and racing manager, Justin, and Hall of Fame Trainer Bob Baffert, for bringing ‘The People’s Horse’ to Saratoga,” said Kay. “We wish the Zayats, Bob and their champion colt the best of luck as they train toward the Breeders’ Cup, culminating a historic and unforgettable campaign.”