Del Mar closes with increase in handle

The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club wrapped up its 66th summer season of racing on

Wednesday, setting a record for total pari-mutuel handle of more than $600

million for the 43-day meet.

Total handle from all sources was $608,168,297 for a daily average of

$14,143,449, an increase of 4.8 percent from 2004 when the previous high

standard was set. On-track handle totaled $108,907,839 for a daily average of

$2,532,740, up 6.5 percent from last season. An all-time single-day pari-mutuel

handle mark was set on August 21 for Pacific Classic Day when $24,004,733 was wagered

on the 10-race program.

"This was a sensational racing season," said Joe Harper, president and

general manager of Del Mar. "The quality of our racing product showed in our

final attendance and handle figures and that is gratifying. Del Mar Thoroughbred

Club is also appreciative of the support given us by our horsemen in supplying

full fields."

Field size this season was 8.4, up slightly from 8.3 in 2004.

Attendance totaled 731,287 for a daily average of 17,007, down 0.3

percent from 2004, which saw the highest attendance rate since the introduction

of inter-track wagering in 1988. Opening day attracted the third-largest

attendance in Del Mar history when 40,046 attended the San Diego track.