Boosted by a record-breaking handle on Haskell Stakes day, Monmouth Park continued its positive trajectory, seeing increases in both total and on-track handle for the fourth consecutive year. Jockey Paco Lopez and trainer Claudio Gonzalez successfully defended their titles as the 50-day meet concluded on Sunday.
The total average handle reached $4,251,965, reflecting a 5.4% rise compared to last year’s average of $4,032,648 over a 51-day meet. On-track handle also improved, averaging $352,939, marking a 3.7% increase from last year's $340,257 average.
Despite one fewer day of live racing, the total handle for the 50 days came in at $212,598,246, nearly $7 million higher than last year’s 51-day total of $205,665,035. The on-track handle also climbed to $17,646,973, up from $17,353,093 in 2023.
Dennis Drazin, chairman and CEO of Darby Development, praised the efforts of owners, trainers, and the quality of racing for these continued gains, stating, "It’s a testament to the quality of racing that we were able to show an increase in handle once again."
Haskell Stakes day set a new record for total handle, reaching $21,748,294 for the 14-race card, surpassing the previous record set last year. The event drew 38,976 spectators, the largest crowd for Haskell day since 2015.
On the racetrack, Paco Lopez secured his 11th overall Monmouth Park riding title and his 10th in the last 12 years, finishing with 76 wins, ahead of runner-up Jairo Rendon, who had 65 wins. Claudio Gonzalez claimed his third consecutive Monmouth Park training title with 34 wins, edging out Mario Serey, Jr., who had 32 victories.
Robert Reidy, a resident of Rumson, earned his first leading owner title with 14 winners from 66 starts. Reidy has been a thoroughbred owner since 2010.
As the meet ended, thoroughbred racing in New Jersey moved to East Rutherford for the Monmouth-at-Meadowlands all-turf meet, beginning Friday. Live racing will be held Fridays and Saturdays through October 18, with six-race cards starting at 7 p.m. EDT.