Churchill Downs Sees Spike In Attendance At Fall Meet

Churchill Downs Sees Increase In Attendance During Fall Meet

Churchill Downs ended its 21-day fall meeting Saturday with increases in attendance and on-track wagering, “while experiencing a slight decline in total wagering from last year’s record total,” according to BLOODHORSE. Since the ’04 session consisted of six fewer racing days than ’03, results of the two meets were compared through daily averages. On-track attendance this year averaged 7,467, an increase of nearly 11% from the ’03 average of 6,755. On-track wagering averaged $1,098,931, up more than 8% over the $1,015,696 average in ’03. Total wagering on races at Churchill Downs — which includes on-track and simulcast betting –- was $7,791,943, down 2% from the record set in ’03. Churchill Downs during the meeting dealt with “ongoing construction, near-record rainfall and the loss of several top jockeys in a dispute with management” over insurance (BLOODHORSE.com, 11/28). Churchill Downs VP/Racing Communications John Asher, on some of the track’s new facilities being available this year: “I think that was a big plus. People came and tested those and liked what they saw” (Louisville COURIER-JOURNAL, 11/30).