The largest opening-day crowd in eight years ushered in Santa Anita Park's 90th year Dec. 26, joining horseplayers around the world in betting on the races with a total all-sources mutuel handle of more than $21.4 million.
The handle was the third-highest in the track's history for an opening day and an increase of 17.4% over last year, marking the fourth time in the past seven years that the opening-day handle topped $20 million.
The on-track attendance of 41,562 was the largest non-weekend or holiday crowd on opening day since 1990. This was the 11th Thursday opening for Santa Anita, which traditionally opens the day after Christmas.
"Our racing office offered an exceptional program, the owners and trainers supported it, and the horseplayers and fans strongly responded to kick off our 90th year," said Nate Newby, Santa Anita's senior vice president and general manager. "We are thankful to everyone who worked hard to make it a success, especially those who joined us to not only witness terrific racing but enjoy the events on track. The Southern California weather could not have been more cooperative, and this was a terrific way to start the celebration at The Great Race Place."
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
