Business up across the board at Monmouth

Monmouth Park concluded its 61-day racing season on Sunday, sporting across

the board gains in attendance, on-track and simulcast handle.

Through a lease from the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA)

to the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (NJTHA) signed on May 4,

2012, Monmouth Park is marking its first full year under new leadership, with

Darby Development LLC the operating manager.

"We knew last year would prove a good starting point," said Dennis Drazin,

advisor to Darby Development and the NJTHA. "The numbers posted this year prove

that fans across the country have responded positively to our racing product,

while those closer to home enjoyed great racing at one of the world's most

beautiful racetracks."

Average attendance came in at 8,986, besting last year's average of 8,599 by

4.5 percent, when Monmouth ran 65 cards. On-track wagering averaged $510,106, an

8.3 percent increase over 2012 as total wagering averaged $4,440,595,

representing a 9.8 percent boost over last season.

"These numbers certainly met all expectations," Drazin said. "We were hoping

to build off of last year's start and we have succeeded in doing so.

"We'll look to continue this upward momentum as we strive to meet the goals

set forth by ourselves just over one year ago: bring expanded gaming

opportunities to the racetrack; create new family entertainment; and, provide

world-class Thoroughbred racing at the Jersey Shore.

"As we look to the future, we are on the brink of announcing a new off-track

betting facility, we continue our work to bring sports wagering to the racetrack

and have plans for enhanced on-line gaming opportunities -- all geared at

bringing horse racing closer to the fan.

"On-track, we will soon open the William Hill Race and Sports Bar -- a

state-of-the-art, Vegas-style sports book, which will offer free play on top

sporting events. In addition, the entire facility will continue its

transformation into a more fan-friendly, family oriented destination in the

heart of the Jersey Shore," Drazin said.

Paco Lopez was a runaway winner in the race for top jockey, booting home 99

winners. It was Lopez's second Monmouth title, having taken home top honors in

2010.

Leading trainer went to Jorge Navarro, who saddled 47 winners, including a

record-tying four on September 22. For Navarro, a 38-year-old native of Panama,

this was his first trainer's title at any racetrack.

Red Oak Stable, who has been involved in racing for decades, enjoyed their

first-ever Monmouth Park owner's championship, having visited the winner's

circle 17 times, tying them with High Point Thoroughbred Partners, who also

enjoyed their first owner's title.

Thoroughbred racing shifts north to the Meadowlands for 10 all-turf live

cards, beginning on Friday. The Big M will host live racing on Fridays,

Saturdays and Mondays through November 2 with the exception of October 21, which

will be a dark day.

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