© Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
DEL MAR, Calif. – (November 3, 2017) – All-sources handle for the Friday Breeders’ Cup program was $52,273,883, a 5.3% increase from 2016, on the first day of the 34th Breeders’ Cup World Championships today at the iconic Del Mar racetrack, a first-time host for the event. The total handle for Championship Friday was the highest since 2013.
Friday’s on-track handle was $9,280,504, a 29% increase over the prior year, as an enthusiastic crowd of 32,278 witnessed a commanding performance by Forever Unbridled in the $2 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff.
For the comfort of its guests and due to the smaller capacity of the venue, Breeders’ Cup capped ticket sales for each day at 37,500.
Breeders’ Cup Friday attendance and handle history:
| Year | Track | Attendance | Handle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Santa Anita | 45,673 | $49,651,600 |
| 2015 | Keeneland | 44,497 | $46,251,965 |
| 2014 | Santa Anita | 37,205 | $47,666,982 |
| 2013 | Santa Anita | 35,633 | $52,594,370 |
| 2012 | Santa Anita | 34,619 | $48,997,009 |
| 2011 | Churchill Downs | 40,677 | $52,095,202 |
| 2010 | Churchill Downs | 41,614 | $54,889,388 |
| 2009 | Santa Anita | 37,651 | $50,662,945 |
| 2008 | Santa Anita | 31,257 | $49,473,304 |
| 2007 | Monmouth Park | 27,803 | $31,499,007 |