Tampa Bay Downs announced a second 6% purse increase of the current meeting, which will go into effect with the February 25 card. Riders will compete for an additional $1,000 per race in all races. overnight (all races minus stake). The first increase, which took effect on February 10, also increased the amount in the wallet by $1,000 in a race.
The track rallied overnight four times during the 2020-21 meeting.
“A number of factors have contributed to our ability to once again increase our wallets for riders,” said Peter Berube, vice president and general manager of the track. “First and foremost is the quality product our riders continue to deliver, which has resulted in an increase in the bet handle.
“Our racing office, led by racing secretary Allison De Luca, works diligently to provide competitive races with large open fields that attract bettors both on the track and from the racetracks. our simulcast stores around the country. We’ve also enjoyed good weather for most of the season, which is already reflected in our attendance figures.”
Tampa processed in excess of $12.1 million on its Festive Preview Day card on February 12, mentioned by Sam F. Davis Stakes (G3). This number is the seventh largest in track history.
Watch officials are optimistic that the March 12 Festival Day card, which includes $400,000 Lambholm South Tampa Bay Derby (G2) and three other classified shares, could surpass the record $15,229,366 set set on Festival Day last season.
