Saturday’s all-star Travers card at Saratoga saw a near-record figure in terms of all-sources handle, second only to 2015 when Triple Crown winner American Pharoah appeared. This year’s handle rang in at $47,870,984, a five-percent increase over 2016 but less than the $49,668,754 wagered in 2015.

On-track attendance was announced at 47,725, a 1.9 percent decrease from 2016. On-track handle of $10,862,094 was one percent higher than last year.

• All-sources: $47,870,987
• On-track: $10,862,095
• Betting interests: 108

• All-sources: $45,596,367
• On-track: $10,778,993
• Betting interests: 124

Down at the short race meeting at the Maryland State Fair at Timonium, there were also some great financial results.  Timonium opened with strong results Friday and continued on to a record-setting day Saturday, August 26. Handle (wagering dollars) on opening day of the fair was up 56%.

“We had a great day and handled over $1 million, which I was told is a record for this fair meet,” said Bill Reightler, coordinator of racing operations. “On behalf of our board at the Maryland State Fair, we want to thank the sponsors of the Coalition Stakes–the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, the Maryland Horse Breeders Association, and Fasig-Tipton, Inc. Of course, a huge thank you goes to the connections all the stakes entrants, and all the trainers and owners that are participating at this race meeting, giving us full fields in all our races. It’s a fun place to race.”