WEG says harness handle holds steady in 2008

Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) today released its Standardbred racing wagering figures for 2008, and they held steady compared with 2007 data. The company saw betting in the greater Toronto area on all Standardbred racing product total  $236,063,930 in 2008, compared to $237,457,870 in 2007.

All-sources handle per race on live WEG Standardbred racing (2,680 races in total) was $113,653 in 2008, compared to $117,800 (2,787 races in total) in 2007.

The all-sources total of $304,589,760 was wagered on 230 cards, 23 fewer than in 2007 when $328,284,760 was bet on 253 cards.

With 230 cards, average field size was an outstanding 9.0 horses per race at both Mohawk and Woodbine in 2008, compared to 8.5 at Woodbine and 8.8 at Mohawk in 2007 (253 cards).

"We're pleased to see betting on standardbred racing in Toronto hold steady over 2007," said Jamie Martin, WEG's Senior Vice-President of Racing. "With fewer dates as a result of reduced horse supply, 2008 was expected to be a difficult year."

Overnight and stakes purses, including supplements and nominations fees, paid out in 2008 totalled $77,581,360 ($337,310 per card) versus $79,874,166 ($315,708 per card) last year. (WEG)

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