Wagering on Woodbine’s 2015 Thoroughbred racing season, which concluded Sunday, November 29, rose substantially over the 2014 meet.
The 133-day campaign produced an “all-sources” handle of $438,185,077, an 11.3% per cent increase over the $393,871,490 figure recorded from 133 dates in 2014.
“We are very pleased with our 2015 meet,” said Sean Pinsonneault, Chief Operating Officer for Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG). “There is plenty of competition for the wagering dollar, so to be able to continue to show gains and appeal to the customer base is really rewarding.”
Woodbine recorded significant gains from the US market and record handles on each of its three biggest days.
The Queen’s Plate, which had its 156th running in 2015, had a wagering total of $11.06 million for the July 5 card. Previous mark in 2013 was $9.7 million. It also established a record handle for any day at Woodbine, except the 1996 Breeders’ Cup, which had an all sources mark of $42.5 million.
Ricoh Woodbine Mile day, on September 3, recorded a handle of $7.187 million, edging the 2014 mark of $7.004 million, while the Pattison Canadian International, on October 18, had a handle of $6.47 million, eclipsing 2011 mark of $6.40 million.
Sunday’s final card also established a mark for a Woodbine meet finale card, with $6.5 million wagered, surpassing the 2014 record of $5.4 million.
“We continue to see gains on track in the Toronto market on our biggest days, especially the Queen’s Plate,” said Pinsonneault. “We saw a record attendance again this year on our signature event with many new faces checking out the fun, fashion and racing which is leading to more of these customers returning for other events.”
The Plate, with 35,000 in attendance, was won by Shaman Ghost.
“Racing on our European style E.P. Taylor Turf Course has continued to attract increased field sizes and wagering, which we hope to expand next year by running clockwise occasionally,” said Pinsonneault. “Our turf course, 1 ½ miles in circumference, is underutilized on the north-west corner. Adding clockwise racing brings an exciting dimension to our racing program and we expect to be a thrill for our fans.”
Also, a Tapeta racing surface will replace the Polytrack, which had been in place since 2006, in time for the start of 2016 racing season.
Woodbine is seeing some traction with its wagering profile.
“The exotic 20-cent pools such as the new Pick 5 has experienced a very strong debut, and the Pick-4 and Jackpot Hi-5 pools continue to see growth and big prices,” said Pinsonneault. ”The Jackpot Hi-5, for example, saw four customers take home over $100,000 each for a 20 cent bet during the 2015 season alone.”
Purses paid out in 2015 totalled $72.9 million, while field size dropped to 8.1 horses per race in 2015, down from 8.4 horses per race in 2014.
Opening day for the 2016 Thoroughbred racing season, also set for 133 dates, is scheduled for April 9.
Standardbred racing continues at Woodbine through the winter, including a special Boxing Day card that features a 1:00 p.m. post-time.
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