Francesca LeDonne Photo

Belmont Park fall meet generates all-sources handle of $274,929,718

by NYRA Press Office

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today announced that the 2019 Belmont Park fall meet generated all-sources handle of $274,929,718, a 2.2 percent increase in all-sources handle over the 2018 Belmont Park fall meet.

Originally scheduled for 38 days of live racing, NYRA was forced to cancel the entire card on Thursday, October 17 due to dangerously high winds associated with a powerful coastal storm. In addition, the final eight races were cancelled on closing day, October 27, due to high winds and extremely heavy rains.

Average daily handle over the 37 days of live racing was $7,430,533 with on-track handle totaling $32,523,572.

The Aqueduct fall meet begins on Friday, November 1 with a 10-race card highlighted by the $150,000 Tempted. First post is 12 p.m.

Following the cancellation of live racing on closing day at Belmont Park, Friday will now offer horseplayers a mandatory payout of the Empire 6. The jackpot carryover heading into Friday stands at $279,432 and the wager will open in Race 5, which has an approximate post time of 2:00 p.m.

Friday at the Big A will also feature a full simulcast of the Breeders' Cup World Championships at Santa Anita Park, anchored by the Grade 1, $2 million Juvenile, with a local post time of 7:04 p.m. Eastern. The Future Stars Friday Breeders' Cup card begins at 4:12 p.m. with the Grade 2, $1 million Juvenile Turf Sprint.

The Aqueduct fall meet will offer 27 stakes worth $5 million in purses, including the inaugural four-day NYRA Thanksgiving Racing Festival featuring 11 stakes worth $1.9 million in purse money. The festival runs from Thanksgiving Day, November 28 through Sunday, December 1.

The Aqueduct fall meet is highlighted by the Cigar Mile Racing Festival, which begins on Thursday, December 5. Highlighted by four graded races worth $1.5 million in purse money, the festival anchors the final weekend of the fall meet which concludes on Sunday, December 8.

About the New York Racing Association (NYRA)

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) holds the exclusive franchise to conduct thoroughbred racing at Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course. NYRA tracks are the cornerstone of New York State's thoroughbred industry, which is responsible for 19,000 jobs and more than $3 billion in annual economic impact to the State.

Over the course of 219 days of live racing in 2018, NYRA generated more than $2.1 billion in all-sources wagering handle with paid attendance exceeding 1.7 million for the fifth consecutive year.