Woodbine Standardbred posts largest all-sources handle ever in 2019

MILTON, January 3, 2020 – Woodbine Entertainment today announced that the 2019 Standardbred season produced a record all-sources handle of $364,639,490, the highest in Woodbine Standardbred history.

“This was our first full year of harness racing at Woodbine Mohawk Park and it proved to be very successful,” said Jim Lawson, CEO of Woodbine Entertainment. “We look forward to building off of our successes in 2019 as we fulfill our vision of being the top standardbred racetrack in the world.”

The 216-date season (five cancellations) saw the all-sources handle rise 9.2 per cent and a record per-race handle of $161,990, up 11.2 per cent from the previous year. A total of 2,251 races were contested, 41 fewer than the year prior.

Foreign wagering (outside Canada) on Woodbine Standardbred races in 2019 was as strong as ever with a record total of $243,095,740 wagered, up 15.2 per cent from 2018.

Home Market Area wagering held steady by coming in at $88 million for the second consecutive year.

The 2019 racing season at Mohawk Park was highlighted by the 36^th Pepsi North America Cup on June 15 and the return of the Breeders Crown on October 25 and 26.

The Pepsi North America Cup saw a new stakes and Canadian record of 1:47.2 established by Captain Crunch, who gave driver Scott Zeron and trainer Nancy Johansson each their first North America Cup title. Handle on the $1 million race increased 3.5 per cent from 2018.

The $6 million (USD) Breeders Crown, presented by Libfeld-Katz Breeding Partnership, brought the best in harness racing to Mohawk Park for 12 championship races. The two-day event generated a total-handle of $6.6 million, a new record for a Breeders Crown held in Canada.

The past year also saw the completion of a $6 million paddock expansion project in October.

The 2020 season at Woodbine Mohawk Park will be headlined by a pair of $1 million races, with the 37^th Pepsi North America Cup slated for June 20 and the inaugural Mohawk Million set for September 26.

A total of 222 race dates are scheduled for 2020 at Woodbine Mohawk Park. The season kicks off Saturday evening with an 11-race program. Post time is 7:10 p.m.