All-sources handle on the Turfway Park Winter/Spring Meet, which concluded Saturday, increased 62% from a year ago, while purse money awarded jumped 43%, according to a release from the Kentucky track. More than $145 million was wagered at the meeting, nearly $56 million more than 2022. Connections who raced at Turfway Park were rewarded with more than $19 million in prize money, an increase of more than $5.5 million (including funds from the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund). Turfway Park ran nine additional days this year and had an increase of more than 900 starters.
“The racing season at Turfway Park Racing & Gaming was a huge success across the board,” Turfway Park President Michael Taylor said. “Our team at Turfway Park delivered a competitive racing product while welcoming back fans to our newly renovated facility.”
Five-pound apprentice jockey Walter Rodriguez led the standings with 48 victories from 250 starts. Rodriguez’s outstanding meet was highlighted by stakes wins in the Dust Commander S. and the Wishing Well S.
Wesley Ward topped the trainer’s standings with 22 wins and tied for leading owner with six wins. Kirk Wycoff’s Three Diamonds Farm also tabbed six victories at the stand. Roy Jackson’s Lael Stables broke the tie for the champion owner with the highest earnings of $341,365.
“We’re so thankful for all of our owners, trainers, jockeys and horseplayers for their continued support of our racing season,” Turfway Park General Manager Chip Bach said. “Thanks to Churchill Downs Incorporated’s continued investments in Turfway Park’s facility and racing product, we can confidently look forward to a thriving future of horse racing in Florence.”
Horses will remain stabled at Turfway Park throughout the spring and summer. Racing is set to resume Nov. 29.
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