2018 Travers Day generates record-breaking all-sources handle
by Pat Mckenna
A blockbuster Travers Day card, highlighted by Catholic Boy's victory in the 149th running of the Grade 1, $1.25 million Runhappy Travers, generated all-sources handle of $52,086,597, shattering the previous record set in 2015 by 4.9 percent.
All-sources handle, which exceeded the $50 million mark on Travers Day for the first time ever, surpassed the 2017 all-sources number by 8.8 percent.
On-track handle was $11,466,264, an increase of 5.6 percent over 2017, and just shy of 2015's $11,472,451.
A paid crowd of 49,418 witnessed Catholic Boy put away European invader Mendelssohn in the stretch to draw clear for a four-length victory in the Runhappy Travers, giving Hall of Fame jockey Javier Castellano his record sixth victory in the race.
The Runhappy Travers was one of six Grade 1 stakes on Travers Day, which also featured the Grade 1, $1 million Sword Dancer, the Grade 1, $700,000 Personal Ensign, the Grade 1, $600,000 Forego, the Grade 1, $500,000 Ketel One Ballerina and the Grade 1 $500,000 H. Allen Jerkens presented by Runhappy. The Travers Day card was rounded out by the Grade 2, $400,000 Woodford Reserve Ballston Spa.
The 2018 summer meet at historic Saratoga Race Course continues through Labor Day, Monday, September 3. For more information about Saratoga Race Course, visit NYRA.com.
2018 Travers Day
August 25, 2018
All-sources: $52,086,597
On-track: $11,466,264
2017 Travers Day
August 26, 2017
All-sources: $47,870,987
On-track: $10,862,095
2016 Travers Day
August 27, 2016
All-sources: $45,596,367
On-track: $10,778,993
2015 Travers Day
August 29, 2015
All-sources: $49,668,754
On-track: $11,472,451
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