https://www.paulickreport.com/news/t...and-fall-meet/
On-track wagering during totaled $17,597,035, just shy of last year's $17,793,419 but well below the record $27,591,341 established in 2013. Average daily on-track handle was $1,035,120 versus $1,046,672 in 2016. All-sources wagering on Keeneland racing totaled $121,712,702, down 8.4 percent when compared to last fall's $132,937,720 and the lowest since 2010. The all-time high wagering mark was set in 2013, when $142,999,252 was bet. Average daily all-sources handle of $7,159,571 dipped 8.4 percent from last year's $7,819,866 and is 14.9 percent lower than the 2013 record $8,411,722.
Keeneland increased its wagering takeout prior to the fall meeting, sparking criticism from many corners, including from perennial leading owner Kenneth Ramsey. The Horseplayers Association of North America urged a boycott of Keeneland to its members.
“These are solid results, especially considering that eight races during the meet were taken off the turf and three race cards were conducted either entirely or partially on an off track,” Keeneland vice president of racing and sales Bob Elliston said. “Those factors adversely impacted field size and therefore overall wagering, particularly when compared to last fall when we enjoyed perfect weather every race day.”
