Thursday’s program marks the start of the second half of Woodbine’s live Thoroughbred racing season and judging by the first-half wagering figures, released Thursday by the Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG), it has been a successful meet so far.
All sources betting on the live Woodbine campaign is up 11.82% on wagering handle of $206,056,400, nearly $22 million over the total bet through the halfway mark of the 2010 season.
“It’s been a good meet so far,” said Sean Pinsonneault, WEG’s Chief Operating Officer. “We continue to see strong growth in our product in the U.S., while our home market numbers are steady over the first half, year on year.”
Increases in the U.S. on the Woodbine racing product have been rising this year, on top of the growth seen last year. While Woodbine had a number of new outlets this year which were not reflective in the early season comparative and contributed to the improved results, the broad-based increases suggest the positive momentum is continuing on the product.
“The $100k Pick 4 guarantees offered on Wednesdays and Sundays have really resonated with players,” said Pinsonneault. “With the strong response on these pools, we have been able to increase the guarantees much earlier than we anticipated and have also helped to generate more wagering in the other pools.”
Inglorious, the superstar filly who captured the Queen’s Plate after winning the Woodbine Oaks, presented by Budweiser, tops the list of first-half highlights.
All-sources betting handle on the 152nd Plate card was $8,768,145, and The Plate race itself drew $2,973,265. Both figures were Woodbine records for a non-Breeders’ Cup event. Woodbine has enjoyed significant wagering increases on major race day events.
Also, in May, Woodbine celebrated the birthday of the great Northern Dancer, who would have turned 50 this year.
The 2011 Woodbine Thoroughbred season is scheduled for 167 dates, offering racing Wednesdays through Sundays and Holiday Mondays through Sunday, December 4.
The Ricoh Woodbine Mile card on Sunday, September 18 and the Pattison Canadian International on Sunday, October 16 are among the meet’s second-half highlights.
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