The Keeneland spring meet came to an end Friday with increases in attendance and both on-track and all-sources wagering. The Lexington oval even achieved an all-time single-day handle record of $21,736,983 Apr. 9, the day Brody's Cause (Giant's Causeway) won the GI Toyota Blue Grass S.
It was the fourth highest spring meet attendance at 262,197 for the 16-day season, which ran from Apr. 8 – 29. That is a 4.69% increase from last season's 250,451. Average daily attendance dipped slightly from 16,697 last year to 16,387 this term.
On-track handle was up 11.35% from $16,142,325 in 2015 to $17,974,896; and average daily on-track handle was also up 4.39% from $1,076,155 to $1,123,431. The all-sources wagering of $145,592,372 showed a 23.79% increase from last term's $117,617,108; and average daily all-sources rose 16.05% from $7,841,141 to $9,099,523.
“The momentum from last fall's Breeders' Cup carried forward to this spring and contributed to so many positives during this race meet,” Keeneland President and CEO Bill Thomason said. “The loyalty of our fans and horsemen and the strong support of our corporate and media partners are very gratifying. These relationships are key to Keeneland's success.”
Several Breeders' Cup winners and runners made successful returns at the Keeneland spring meet, such as Catch a Glimpse (City Zip) and champion Tepin (Bernstein).
“One of our goals in hosting the Breeders' Cup at Keeneland was to further enhance the quality of racing during our Spring and Fall meets,” said Keeneland Vice President of Racing W.B. Rogers Beasley, who will retire this summer after a 34-year career. “It's very rewarding to see these great champions come back to Keeneland and thrill fans once again.”
Ken and Sarah Ramsey captured their 17th leading owner title at Keeneland with nine races won. They have won eight spring meet titles and nine fall meet titles and rank as Keeneland's all-time leading owners.
Mike Maker, who is one of the Ramseys' trainers, won his fourth Keeneland leading trainer title with 13 victories, including a win in the GII Dixiana Elkhorn S. with Da Big Hoss (Lemon Drop Kid).
Eclipse winner Javier Castellano edged out Corey Lanerie for the riding title in a battle that went down to the final day of the meet. Castellano racked up 17 wins, compared to Lanerie's 16, to take home his first Keeneland spring meet title.
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