Record attendance and total handle reached on Black-Eyed Susan Day 2017

Pimlico saw new records for both attendance and total handle on Black-Eyed Susan Friday.

Attendance for the day, which featured seven stakes highlighted by Actress’ upset win in the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (G2), came to 50,339, easily surpassing the previous record of 47,956 set last year.

Total handle for the 14-race card totaled $19.895 million, a jump of 6 percent over the $18.661 million record established last year. Total handle reached more than $20 million with the addition of another $750,000 wagered on the Black-Eyed Susan/Preakness Daily Double.

“It was a great day of world-class racing and extraordinary performances by our human and equine athletes,” said Sal Sinatra, president and general manager of the Maryland Jockey Club. “We believe our total handle could have been larger if not for the afternoon rainstorm and some 20 scratches.

“The Ultimate Girls Day Out continues to grow and fans and horsemen continue to see the renewed energy in Maryland racing.

“We’re looking forward to another incredible day of racing Saturday with the 142nd Preakness Stakes (G1) as well as entertainment by Sam Hunt, Zedd, Good Charlotte, LOCASH and High Valley.”

First post on Preakness Saturday is 10:30 a.m. (ET).