Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) announced its results for Woodbine’s 2013 Thoroughbred racing season, which concluded Sunday, December 15.
The 131-day meet produced “all-sources” per card wagering of $3,095,872, a 6.41 per cent increase over the $2,909,394 per card recorded in 2012.
The overall wagering was $405,559,284, compared to $453,865,564 in 2012, which featured 25 more race days.
Wagering in the Greater Toronto Area rose 0.94 per cent in 2013 over 2012.
“In the face of dramatic change, I’m very proud of our 2013 Thoroughbred season,” said Nick Eaves, WEG’s President & Chief Executive Officer. “A record modern-day crowd enjoyed an historic Queen’s Plate day and we saw overall per card wagering rise for a fifth consecutive year. We delivered more value to the Woodbine customer than ever before. Our Queen’s Plate inspired Hats & Horseshoes party featured a red carpet, food trucks and upscale lounges, which received wonderful praise. Our social media concepts, including ‘#Woodbine360’ in which followers were given a fascinating insider’s look at horse racing, were prevalent throughout the season.”
Midnight Aria was the star of the Queen’s Plate, winning the race by a half-length over Up With the Birds on a day that generated a record-breaking handle of $9.7 million.
“We received an enthusiastic response from customers for our fan-focused initiatives, which included a takeout reduction,” said Eaves. “Woodbine now offers a continent-low 14.95 per cent takeout on win wagers. We also introduced the Jackpot Hi 5, in which two winning tickets, worth $275,000 and $148,000 each, were celebrated since the launch of the wager in October. Other recent horseplayer-concentrated programs like fractional wagering were also expanded.”
Woodbine hosted reigning U.S. Horse of the Year Wise Dan in 2013, stunning fans in the Ricoh Woodbine Mile for a second consecutive year.
“We are also thankful for the loyalty shown by the horsepeople of Woodbine, who supported our racing program in 2013 and are embracing change, and involving themselves in our community and charitable endeavours,” said Eaves.
WEG continued its commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility efforts with a real culture of charitable support.
The company’s conscientious Corporate Community Investment Program assists local charitable organizations with financial donations, sponsorships and in-kind contributions in four key areas: Community Development, Children and Youth, Healthcare and the Horse Racing Industry.
Over 2,700 hours were volunteered by the company’s employees and staff in 2013.
“I am gratified by the way in which so many WEG employees gave their time,” said Eaves. “WEG has a responsibility to the community, which extends beyond our role as an engine of economic growth and employment. Our employees took this responsibility to heart and gave back to our community and industry in many different ways.”
Opening day for the 2014 Thoroughbred racing season, set for 133 dates, is scheduled for April 12.
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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