The Gulfstream West Fall Turf Meet that ended November 25th saw noticeable improvements in a number of areas benefitting the Track, the owners/trainers, and the race fans.
Notably, over the 40 race days comparing 2018 vs. 2017 data compiled by us using the Equibase® Charts.
* Total track handle from all sources, up 7.5% to $154 million.
* Total purse money rose from $9.23 million to $10.61 million, up 15%.
* The average field size gained from 7.57 to 8.42 horses during the meet.
* Number of starters (horses that left the gates) 3,099 vs. 2,824, up 10%.
That last stat was impressive, given that there were 5 fewer races this year than last. The weather this year was more favorable than 2017, as just 25 races were taken off the turf, compared to 56 last year.
The scheduled turf races fell by 30 this year; 209 to 179, so that was a small factor perhaps in that more scratches occur when the race surface changes to the dirt track.
The ever popular Rainbow 6 wager, which we religiously follow for our readers and race fans, gained serious steam in 2018, with the Total Pool rising from $1.337 million to $2.05 million in the 40 race days. Seven jackpots were hit this meet, compared with just 4 last year.
Saturday, Dec. 1st starts the Champions Meet at Gulfstream Park at the Hallandale, Fla. track.
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