Preakness Breaks Handle and Attendance Records

Saturday's 141st GI Preakness S. card set all-time records for total handle and attendance for the Middle Jewel of the Triple Crown, according to the Maryland Jockey Club.

A record crowd of 135,256, up 2.5 percent over last year's 131,680, watched at Pimlico Race Course as GI Kentucky Derby runner-up Exaggerator (Curlin) handed Derby winner Nyquist (Uncle Mo) his first defeat in nine career starts.

Total handle on Pimlico's 14-race program, which featured seven other stakes, was a record $94,127,434, eclipsing the previous mark of $91,028,704, set in 2005. Total handle was up 10.8 percent over 2015. Total in-state wagering was up 3.1 percent.

Saturday's Preakness came after a record crowd of 47,956 attended Friday's Black-Eyed Susan Day program.

“It was a truly remarkable weekend,” said Maryland Jockey Club President and General Manager Sal Sinatra. “The crowds were fantastic, the racing incredible, and once again InfieldFest drew some of the top performers in the world. We want to thank our horsemen and fans and the state of Maryland for setting a new standard at the Preakness. Our record handle and attendance is further indication of the revitalization of Maryland racing.”

 

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