All-sources handle down for Hollywood meet

Despite heavy rain that caused racing to be cancelled after two races Sunday,

Hollywood Park finished its 30th fall season with some encouraging attendance

and handle results within California.

Buoyed by the appearance of Zenyatta and the inclusion of two Breeders' Cup

cards from Churchill Downs (November 5-6), average daily attendance in Southern

California was up 7.2 percent from 2009. Average daily handle generated in

Southern California, including advance deposit wagering, was up 8 percent. The

average per day was $4.187 million, compared to $3.875 million a year ago.

The average daily on-track attendance declined slightly (0.7 percent) and

average daily on-track handle was down 2.1 percent. Wagering outside California

on Hollywood Park races decreased by 15.2 per cent, resulting in a 4.2 per cent

decline in average daily all-sources handle. This figure went from $8.362

million in 2009 to $8.015 million in 2010.

"We were heartened by the overall results of the meet," Hollywood Park

president Jack Liebau said. "Wagering within California surpassed expectations

in light of the 12.5 per cent unemployment rate in the state. Hopefully, the

downward trend in wagering is bottoming out and the worst is now behind us.

Santa Anita should have a great meet."