Santa Anita Park managed to buck industry trends and post increases in all areas of measure during its inaugural 24-day Autumn Meet that replaced Oak Tree Racing and concluded today, Sunday, Nov. 11.
Track officials announced significant gains in on-track attendance, handle and in average-per-race field size when compared to Oak Tree’s last meet at the track in 2009. Oak Tree moved to Hollywood in 2010 and returned to Santa Anita this fall in a supporting role to Santa Anita’s management of the meet.
Average field size for the meet was up an average of one horse per race to 8.8 from 7.7 in 2009. Average daily on-track attendance was up one percent over 2009 and average daily on-track pari-mutuel handle was up six percent. All-source average daily handle was up five percent and the all-source handle was up 22 percent when compared to Oak Tree Racing’s same dates that were run at Hollywood Park in 2010.
“This is a result of two things, an improving horse inventory and the fact that our natural dirt main track is performing very well,” said Santa Anita President George Haines. “We installed this surface last summer and it’s been very well received by the horseman which was reflected at the entry box. The turf course also performed well and we believe all of this bodes well for the future. …we’re very much looking forward to opening day on Dec. 26. Haines also expressed enthusiasm for hosting next year’s Breeders’ Cup for the first time since 2009, noting the track is looking forward “to be able to once again showcase what we believe is the most magnificent venue in all of racing.”
— By Scott Hettrick