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Records fall at Tampa Bay Downs Tampa Bay Downs reported increases in record handle and purses during its 81st season of racing, which concluded Sunday. All-sources handle on live races jumped 5.29 percent to $385,787,682, or an average of $4,104,124 per day, over last year's record of $366,605,761. It was the first time in the history of the track that the average daily live sources handle broke the $4 million mark. In addition, the track set a new record for all sources handle when $10,916,634 was wagered on Festival Day, March 17, which featured the Tampa Bay Derby (G3). On Saturday, Tampa Bay Downs established a record single-day attendance when a crowd of 11,014 watched Tampa Bay Derby winner STREET SENSE (Street Cry [Ire]) capture the 133rd Kentucky Derby (G1). "I am very pleased with how the season progressed," Tampa Bay Downs General Manager Peter Berube said. "Closing weekend was highlighted by Tampa Bay Derby winner Street Sense winning the Kentucky Derby, as well as record attendance for the afternoon. Overall, we finished with some of the strongest numbers amongst tracks running through the winter months and we are looking forward to what the future has in store for us." Total purses averaged $160,673 per day, a new record for the Oldsmar, Florida, oval. The record $2.5 million stakes program featured 26 added money races. There was an average of 8.85 horses per race, and horsemen claimed a record 333 horses during the 94-day meet. Tampa Bay Downs offered a record 226 turf races this season, up from 220 last year. "The increase in the number of horses claimed is a positive sign in the barn area, indicating a solid horse population," said Allison De Luca, who just completed her first year as Tampa Bay Downs' racing secretary. Attendance remained steady at an average of 3,437 fans per day, just 64 shy of last year's daily average. Five track and course records were set during the 2006-2007 season, highlighted by champion Street Sense's time of 1:43.11 in the 1 1/16-mile Tampa Bay Derby. Jockey Daniel Centeno set a new single-season record with 125 victories. The 36-year-old Venezuelan rider surpassed the previous record of 123 shared by Willie Martinez and William Henry. Centeno will spend the summer at Monmouth Park. Luis Antonio Gonzalez finished second with 88 wins. Jamie Ness earned his first training title by saddling 38 winners from 120 starters. Lynne Scace checked in second with 35 winners from 158 starters. Montesano Racing was the leading owner with 17 wins from 69 starters.
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