Aqueduct fall meet sees 7.6 % increase in handle

Staff report OZONE PARK, N.Y. » The 2017 Aqueduct Fall Meet generated all-sources handle on NYRA races of $250,376,535, an increase of 7.6 percent over the 2016 Aqueduct Fall Meet.

Average daily handle from the 36 days of live racing was $6,954,904; a 1.6 percent increase over 2016.

The 2017 Aqueduct Fall Meet, from November 3 to December 31, was the first meet contested since the construction of a new, outer turf course and renovation of the main track oval to accommodate year-round racing.

In 2017, NYRA moved the Grade 1 Cigar Mile back one week from its traditional date on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, scheduling the fall meet’s signature race four weeks after the Breeders’ Cup. The purse was also increased from $500,000 to $750,000.

The Cigar Mile Day card, highlighted by Sharp Azteca’s victory in the 29th running of the Grade 1, $750,000 Cigar Mile Handicap presented by NYRA Bets, generated all-sources handle of $13,545,188, marking an 11.8 percent increase over 2016’s Cigar Mile Day.

Total handle for the 2017 Aqueduct Fall Meet, which is inclusive of import wagering on non-NYRA races, was $303,182,961.

During the Aqueduct Fall Meet, live racing was canceled due to adverse weather conditions on November 19, December 13, December 28, and December 31. The final five races of the December 30 card were also canceled. 2017 Aqueduct Fall Meet (NYRA races) All-sources handle: $250,376,535 All-sources average daily handle: $6,954,904 Race days: 36 2017 On-track handle: $28,099,665 2016 Aqueduct Fall Meet (NYRA races) All-sources handle: $232,645,188 All-sources average daily handle: 6,842,506 Race days: 34 On-track handle: $27,554,724 Please note, all handle figures are exclusive of international settlements.