Attendance, In-State Handle Climb on Maryland Million Day
Attendance, In-State Handle Climb on Maryland Million Day
LAUREL, MD - Attendance and in-state handle was up Saturday at Laurel Park on Jim McKay Maryland Million Day.
A festive crowd of 22,682 watched the 32nd running of the Million, up 4.4 percent over last year. Total handle on Million Day was $4.377 million compared to $4.476 in 2016. In-state handle was $566,086, up 2.8 percent over the previous year.
“While we were missing some marquee names that had competed in the past, we were pleased with Saturday’s program and festivities on Maryland Million Day,” said Sal Sinatra, President and General Manager of the Maryland Jockey Club. “Field size was up, we showed increases in attendance and in-state handle, and the crowd was spectacular. We want to thank the horsemen, the fans and, of course, our incredible equine athletes for taking part in a great day.”
Maryland Million Day was highlighted by Bonus Point winning the $150,000 Classic, a victory that provided Maryland-native Nik Juarez with his third victory of the afternoon.
Hall of Fame jockey Edgar Prado won the $100,000 Maryland Million Lassie aboard Limited View. Prado’s victory was his 17th in Million history, putting him in a tie with retired jockey Ramon Dominguez for the most victories in the series.
