The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) announced March 31 that the 2021-22 Aqueduct winter meet, which ran from Dec. 9, 2021, through March 27, 2022, generated all-sources handle of $358,836,940, a 2.5 percent increase over the 2020-21 winter meet.
That figure was achieved despite running four fewer race days than 2020-21. Originally scheduled to be held over 56 days, NYRA was forced to cancel six race days during the 2021-22 winter meet due to adverse weather conditions. As a result, the winter meet was contested over 50 live race days.
Average daily handle for the 2021-22 winter meet was $7,176,739, a 10.7 percent increase over 2020-21. Since 2018-2019, average daily handle at the Aqueduct winter meet has risen 28.3 percent.
On-track handle, which includes wagering from New York residents utilizing NYRA Bets, was $35,667,627, a 43.3 percent increase over the 2020-21 meet, which was held without on-track spectators due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Average field size over the 438 races was 7.38, which compares with 7.25 for the 2020-21 winter meet.
Highlighted by the Grade 2 Wood Memorial Presented by Resorts World Casino on April 9, the 15-day Aqueduct spring meet kicks off Thursday and runs through April 24. Live racing will be conducted Thursday-Sunday featuring a first post of 1:20 p.m. on most days.
