Total handle at Gulfstream Park West's recently completed Fall Turf Festival was up 10.33% over last year. Total handle on Gulfstream West was $143 million compared to $130 million in 2016. Gulfstream West ran three additional days this fall, an additional 20 races.
A rainy fall season resulted in 58 races taken off the turf and 14 fewer than 2016 and 46 fewer than 2015. Since taking over operation of the fall race meet at what was once Calder Race Course, total handle has climbed from $58 million in 2012–the last year Calder ran unopposed–to $143 million.
“We're pleased that fans and horsemen continue to support the Gulfstream Park West meet,” said Bill Badgett, General Manager of Gulfstream Park. “We believe the fall meet is important to Florida racing as we continue to rebuild year-round racing. We hope to build on our momentum Saturday with the opening of Gulfstream Park and our Championship Meet. We're looking forward to a memorable winter beginning with Saturday's Claiming Crown, the Clasico del Internacional the following week, the Pegasus World Cup, Eclipse Awards, and our incredible 3-year-old events culminating with the Florida Derby and Gulfstream Park Oaks.”
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