Off-track handle increased while on-track handle decreased at the recently
concluded fall meeting at Hawthorne, which ended Monday. Total average daily handle
increased 10.79 percent from $2,800,840 in 2004 to $3,103,147. Out-of-state
wagering made up the biggest portion, rising 16.39 percent from $2,190,266 last
year to $2,549,257. On-track average daily handle, however, declined 9.95 percent, from
$199,250 a year ago to $179,414.
The average number of starters per race was 9.01.
Jockey Chris Emigh, who rode five winners on Sunday, booted home a total of
66 winners to capture his fourth Hawthorne riding title. Jockey Shane Laviolette
finished second with 61 victories, nine more than Jesse Campbell, who was
sidelined for two weeks due to an injury at the beginning of the meet.
Wayne Catalano returned atop the trainer standings by saddling 35 winners,
six more than Tom Tomillo. Mike Reavis finished third with 26 victories.
Owner Frank Calabrese easily won his sixth consecutive owners’ title with 35
winners from 101 starters, an amazing 35 percent win rate.
The Hawthorne Spring Meet begins February 24 and continues through May 4.