Average daily handle up at Hawthorne

Off-track handle increased while on-track handle decreased at the recently

concluded fall meeting at Hawthorne, which ended Monday. Total average daily handle

increased 10.79 percent from $2,800,840 in 2004 to $3,103,147. Out-of-state

wagering made up the biggest portion, rising 16.39 percent from $2,190,266 last

year to $2,549,257. On-track average daily handle, however, declined 9.95 percent, from

$199,250 a year ago to $179,414.

The average number of starters per race was 9.01.

Jockey Chris Emigh, who rode five winners on Sunday, booted home a total of

66 winners to capture his fourth Hawthorne riding title. Jockey Shane Laviolette

finished second with 61 victories, nine more than Jesse Campbell, who was

sidelined for two weeks due to an injury at the beginning of the meet.

Wayne Catalano returned atop the trainer standings by saddling 35 winners,

six more than Tom Tomillo. Mike Reavis finished third with 26 victories.

Owner Frank Calabrese easily won his sixth consecutive owners' title with 35

winners from 101 starters, an amazing 35 percent win rate.

The Hawthorne Spring Meet begins February 24 and continues through May 4.