Handle during the fall meet at Aqueduct Racetrack averaged $9,261,276, a 12.8% increase over the corresponding 2019 meet, according to figures from the New York Racing Association.
Conducted over 18 race days, the fall meet generated all-sources handle of $166,702,976 compared to $205,249,710 last year when 25 race days were part of the schedule. A total of 175 races were run in 2020, equating to 58 fewer than the number of races run in 2019.
Of the 175 races run during the fall meet, 107 were held on the main track and 68 on turf. Average field size over those 175 races was approximately 8.7 horses, a slight increase from last year. 11 races were taken off the turf due to weather.
The meet was highlighted by 29 stakes, 11 graded, worth $3.41 million in purse money, staged from Nov. 6 - Dec. 6.
Kendrick Carmouche registered his first-ever riding title for a NYRA meet, notching 23 victories to pace all jockeys during the fall meet at Aqueduct. Christophe Clement also secured his first NYRA title by tallying 16 wins to lead all trainers, while Klaravich Stables and Repole Stables each campaigned five winners to finish as co-leading owners.
Racing in New York is being conducted without spectators and with only a limited number of essential personnel, horsemen, and owners on-site due to the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The winter meet at Aqueduct begins Dec. 10 and continues through March 28. The 56-day Aqueduct winter meet will include 42 stakes races worth $4.57 million in purses.
