Handle down for Monmouth meet

Monmouth Park recently concluded its 90-day meet with declines in both

average daily on-track handle and total handle. Average daily on-track wagering reached

$645,523, a decline of 8.5 percent from 2004, while total handle equaled

$3,019,576, 14.4 percent lower from the previous year.

"Unfortunately, declining numbers have been the national trend in racing this

year," said Dennis Dowd, senor vice-president of racing for the New Jersey

Sports and Exposition Authority. "Our handle averages are down, but less than

some of our neighbors here in the East. A lot of factors went into the decline,

including the very hot summer and the loss of many of our turf races, and

eventually the turf course entirely."

The hot weather, which plagued the Oceanport, New Jersey, oval this year,

forced the track to discontinue grass racing after Labor Day. The turf course is

being replaced for next year's meeting in anticipation of Monmouth hosting the

Breeders' Cup in 2007.

"On the plus side, we had a terrific Haskell Day with more than 43,000 on

hand -- our fifth-highest crowd ever -- and our entire stakes schedule drew top

horses from all over the country," Dowd said. "We're encouraged that our

attendance held even with last year. It gives us something to build on for next

year, and we're confident that as we head for the Breeders' Cup in 2007 we're on

the right course to growing our business."

Haskell Day attracted 43,769 on August 7 to Monmouth Park and produced

on-track betting of $3,699,825 with total handle of $12,129,836, the

third-largest total in the track's history.

Joe Bravo captured his 11th riding title, winning 108 races despite missing

six weeks of the meet. The leading trainer honors went to Kelly Breen, who

saddled 38 winners to take home his first Monmouth title. The race for leading

owner produced a three-way tie between Ed Broome, Michael Gill and Peter

Kazamias, all who finished with 13 wins.