by Pat McKenna
The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today announced that its 2021 race meets conducted at Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course generated all-sources handle of $2,373,772,916 and average daily handle of $11,809,816 over 201 race days.
Average daily handle on the NYRA circuit has increased 21.6 percent since 2019, when average daily handle over 217 race days was $9,714,868. Average daily handle in 2020, which featured 157 race days, was $11,553,727.
All sources handle for 2021 was $265,646,547 higher than 2019, an increase of 12.6 percent; and $559,837,825 higher than 2020, a 30.9 percent increase.
Average field size for the 1,887 races completed in 2021 was 7.68, a 3.9 percent increase over 2019 and a 1.8 percent decrease from 2020.
On-track handle in 2021 totaled $266,978,634 compared with $152,114,600 in 2020 and $310,053,754 in 2019.
Live racing resumes Thursday at Aqueduct with a nine-race card. First post is 12:20 p.m. Eastern.
America’s Day at the Races will present daily coverage and analysis of the winter meet at Aqueduct Racetrack on the networks of FOX Sports. For the complete broadcast schedule, visit https://www.nyra.com/aqueduct/racing/tv-schedule.
NYRA Bets is the official wagering platform of Aqueduct Racetrack, and the best way to bet every race of the winter meet. Available to horseplayers nationwide, the NYRA Bets app is available for download today on iOS and Android at www.NYRABets.com.