The Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday set a "new record" with an "on-track attendance of 170,513," besting the previous record of 165,307 set in '12, according to Tom LaMarra of BLOODHORSE.com. Churchill Downs Inc. said that "all-sources pari-mutuel handle on the 13-race" Derby program "totaled a record" $194.3M, up 4% from $186.6M in '14. The figure "is 4% higher than the previous mark" of $187M. On-track wagering on the 18-horse Derby "was up 1%," to $12M, from $11.9M in '14 when there was a "full field of 20." However, on-track handle "dropped 2%," to $23M, from $23.4M last year (BLOODHORSE.com, 5/3). In Louisville, Gregory Hall reports the all-sources handle for Derby week "set a record" of $263.3M, up 4% from last year and up 2% higher than the previous '13 record. Attendance for those five days "also was a record," up 5% to 365,006 over '14 and 1.5% higher than the previous record set in '11. Friday's all-sources wagering "on both the Oaks itself and 12-race card set records, as did the on-track Oaks race wagering, while on-track full card Oaks Day wagering" increased 2% but "missed the record" set in '07 (Louisville COURIER-JOURNAL, 5/4).
ASK AND YOU SHALL RECEIVE: In N.Y., Melissa Hoppert noted California Chrome Owners Perry and Denise Martin and Steve and Carolyn Coburn "were upset with Churchill Downs after their experience" in '14 getting from their suite in the clubhouse to the winner’s circle after the race, so the facility "worked to correct the problems by building 20 boxes behind the winner’s circle that feature a roof, couches, betting machines and other amenities." Each owner "receives 18 free tickets for the suites, up from six last year," and each box is "marked by a poster of the owners’ silks and has a staff of waiters." In another new effort, organizers "provided cars and drivers to each owner for Derby week." Hosts are "assigned to each team." Owners also "received an information package on what to expect." There was a dinner for owners and trainers during the week and a party in the "exclusive Mansion area after the draw." Churchill Downs VP/Racing Communications John Asher said, "It wasn’t horrible before, but there were definitely some spots we needed to work on." Hoppert noted American Pharaoh Owner Ahmed Zayat in his post-race news conference "thanked Churchill Downs." Zayat: "In the past there has been a lot of criticism about Churchill. As a person who has been coming here and had more than one Derby runner, I have seen a 180 percent change in all attitudes" (N.Y. TIMES, 5/3).
