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Photo Credit:Jim McCue/MJC
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BALTIMORE, 06-10-08---The Maryland Jockey Club concluded its spring meeting at Pimlico Race Course last weekend, posting total wagering figures which were 16.5% lower than 2007. All-sources handle totaled $190.9 million for 2008 compared to $228.7 million for the same eight-week period a year ago.
The signature day of the meet was a success as a crowd of 112,222 packed the historic Baltimore track on May 17 for the 13-race card headlined by the Preakness® Stakes, the middle jewel of thoroughbred racing’s Triple Crown. Attendance figures have now topped six-figures in nine of the last 10 years, including eight straight. Preakness day wagering finished at more than $73 million, the fifth largest in the 133-year history of the event.
“The goal is to move forward and grow the business to include all facets-the business side, the horsemen and most importantly, the guests,” said Tom Chuckas, Maryland Jockey Club president and chief operating officer. “Our focal point will remain racing but we have to utilize other avenues and broaden our horizons. We have the Virgin Festival coming back to Pimlico for a third consecutive year in August and I’d like to see more of that type of event. We want to expand the hospitality-with racing as the key- and get people interested in coming back to the track.”
-MJC-