2022 Runhappy Travers Day generates record handle
by Pat McKenna
Paid attendance highest since 2015
Saturday’s blockbuster 13-race Runhappy Travers Day card, highlighted by Epicenter’s victory in the 153rd running of the Grade 1, $1.25 million Runhappy Travers, generated record setting all-sources wagering handle of $55,559,315.
The 2022 figure eclipses the prior Runhappy Travers Day record of $52,129,346 in wagering from all-sources, which was established in 2019.
Paid attendance on Saturday was 49,672, which is the highest on a Runhappy Travers Day since 2015 when Triple Crown winner American Pharoah ran at Saratoga Race Course. Paid attendance in 2021 was 44,507.
On-track handle was $10,373,124, or 10.3 percent higher than 2021 when on-track handle was $9,406,526.
The Runhappy Travers was the centerpiece of a card featuring five Grade 1s among six stakes in total including the Grade 1, $750,000 Resorts World Casino Sword Dancer offering a "Win and You're In" berth to the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Turf; the Grade 1, $600,000 Personal Ensign; the Grade 1, $600,000 Forego, the Grade 1, $500,000 H. Allen Jerkens Memorial and the Grade 2, $400,000 Ballston Spa.
For the fourth consecutive year, fans nationwide watched the Runhappy Travers action unfold on FOX as part of a special 90-minute telecast. Overall, the networks of FOX Sports broadcast 7 ½ hours of live racing action from Saratoga which included all six graded stakes on Runhappy Travers Day.
The 2022 summer meet continues through Labor Day, Monday, September 5.
For additional information, visit NYRA.com.
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