Race Park Racing & Gaming’s memorable 48-day winter/spring meetup ended April 1 with a whopping 62% increase in all sources and a 43% increase in prize money.
In total, more than $145 million were staked at the Winter/Spring Encounter, nearly $56 million more than in 2022. Along with the dramatic increase, connections have raced. Race Park was handsomely rewarded with more than $19 million in prize money, an increase of more than $5.5 million (including money from the Kentucky Purebred Development Fund). Turfway runs nine more days than in 2022 and has more than 900 departures.
Turfway Park President Michael Taylor said: “The season at Turfway Park Racing & Gaming has been a great success overall. “Our team at Turfway Park delivered a competitive racing product while also welcoming fans back to our newly renovated facility.”
Turfway’s Encounter was marked by another special Jeff Ruby Steaks Day and a great performance by Patricia’s Hope and Phil Sagan’s Two Phil in Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) worth $700,000. Jeff Ruby Steaks is once again serving as the Road to the Kentucky Derby Championship Series event, and Two Phil’s is targeting its next start on May 6, the $3 million Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs.
5-pound trainee Walter Rodriguez leads the standings with 48 wins in 250 starts. Rodriguez’s stellar encounter was marked by wins in $125,000 Dust Commander Stakes and $125,000 Wish Well Staking.
In the coach rankings, Wesley Ward topped all wins with 22 wins, seven more than Paulo Lobo and Bill Morey. Among Ward’s 22 victories are from his students Eye witness in the $250,000 Animal Kingdom Bet, sunday shoes in $125,000 in Serena’s Song Shares, and Funtastic again in $125,000 Leonatus Stakes.
Ward also drew with the hosts leading the way with six wins. However, his client, Roy Jackson’s Lael Stables, crossed the champion owner’s limit with a top income of $341,365. Kirk Wycoff’s Three Diamonds Ranch also claimed six wins at the Winter/Spring Encounter.
Bettors enjoy huge payouts throughout the meeting with an average of 50 Pick 5 coins returning over $10,000 and the average Single Jackpot 6 payout returning over $19,000. The average winning payout is $14.85.
Chip Bach, general manager of Turfway Park said: “We are grateful to all the owners, coaches, jockeys and players for their continued support of our racing season. “Thanks to Churchill Downs Incorporated’s continued investment in Turfway Park’s equestrian facilities and products, we can confidently move towards a prosperous future of horse racing in Florence.”
Horses will remain stable at Turfway Park throughout spring and summer. The race will resume on November 29.
This press release has been edited by BloodHorse Staff for content and style.
