On-track attendance/handle increase at
Oak Tree
The 36th annual Oak Tree Racing Association meeting ended
Sunday with a rise in on-track average daily attendance of
approximately 9 percent and an overall average daily handle
increase of 1.5 percent compared to the corresponding meet in
2003. (A press release from Oak Tree did not include the specific
attendance and handle numbers).
“We had a very good meet despite the fact that we had
record rainfall in the San Gabriel Valley,” Oak Tree
Executive Vice-President Sherwood Chillingworth said. “We
were particularly pleased with the increase in on-track
attendance which is indicative of a return of the fan to live
racing.”
The biggest on-track crowds of the meet were 26,079 on October
2, 24,450 for California Cup XV on October 16, and 17,284 on
closing day.
The on-track average attendance for five Friday twilight cards
was 6,190.
Mike Mitchell captured the Oak Tree training title and Corey
Nakatani finished at the top of the jockey standings. Mitchell
won 13 races from 30 starts, for a remarkable 43 percent win
rate. Nakatani won 21 races. Victor Espinoza and Tyler Baze
finished tied for second with 19 wins apiece.