New BC Friday Attendance Mark Set

An announced crowd of 44,947 took in the first day of Breeders’ Cup 32 Friday at Keeneland, the largest attendance since the event was lengthened to two days in 2007. That number represented a 21% increase over day one at Santa Anita last year and an 8% increase over the previous Friday high of 41,614 at Churchill Downs in 2010. Total all-sources handle on the 10-race card was $44,949,165, a slight decrease from last year’s figure of $45,815,111. Total handle for the Breeders’ Cup races Friday was $28,234,543. On-track wagering totaled $7,550,279, an increase of 8% over on-track handle at Santa Anita in 2014 ($6,970,456).

“With an enthusiastic and appreciative crowd and a great job by our hosts at Keeneland, the 2015 Breeders’ Cup got off to a great start today,” said Breeders’ Cup President and CEO Craig Fravel. “We want to thank the connections of all of today’s starters, to congratulate today’s winners, and we look forward to another great day of world-class racing tomorrow.”

Added Keeneland CEO Bill Thomason, “Keeneland is proud to have hosted such a spectacular day of racing. Together with our partner, the Breeders’ Cup, we thank our fans and our horsemen for their loyal support. We congratulate each of today’s winners and we look forward to another championship day of racing on Saturday.”