Golden Gate Fields reports handle, attendance jump
Golden Gate Fields realized double-digit increases in both its average daily on-track handle and average daily on-track attendance during its 2011 fall meeting, a 36-day session that ran from Oct. 20 through Dec. 18.
The average daily on-track handle during the 2011 fall meeting was $392,821, up 13.86 percent over the 2010 daily average of $344,994. Total on-track handle at the 2011 fall meeting was $14,141,548 – just $348,199 less than the $14,489,747 wagered at 2010 fall session, which had six more live racing days.
The average daily handle from wagers placed at Northern California off-track betting facilities was also up, $862,746 compared to $803,891, an increase of 7.32 percent.
The average daily on-track attendance at the 2011 fall season was 2,226, up 12.77 percent from the 2010 daily average of 1,974.
“We’re very pleased with the on-track figures at the fall meeting,” said Joe Morris, vice president and interim general manager of Golden Gate Fields. “This gives us momentum heading into the 2011-2012 winter/spring season, which will feature a two percent increase in purses across the board and an increase of $150,000 in our stakes program.”
Golden Gate Fields will open its 2011-2012 season on Monday, Dec. 26. The 101-day meeting will run through June 17.
