The number of equine fatalities at Delaware Park dropped to its lowest recorded level in 2016. Why? Many reasons, industry participants say.
Delaware Park, with a meet beginning June 3, today revealed its 2017 stakes schedule, which is topped by the 80th running of the G1 Delaware Handicap.
Delaware Park will shift the start of its 2017 season to June 3, about two weeks later than has been typical in recent years.
Delaware Park and the state’s horsemen agreed to 81 days of live racing in 2017 despite a 2016 season that saw handle drop by ten percent.
Delaware Park racing director John Mooney spent much of last winter scouring tracks for horsemen to come to Delaware. Those efforts seem to be bearing fruit.
The annual Family Fun Day hosted by Delaware Park and the Delaware Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association will benefit the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund.
Ken Wilson will take over his duties as Delaware Park track superintendent just in time for the new season.
Delaware Park’s recently concluded 2015 had plenty of bright spots — but challenges for the future also were laid bare.
The good news: wagering was up at Delaware Park in 2015 vs. 2014. The bad: the daily average increased less than one percent.
Delaware Park officials are in conversation with their Maryland Jockey Club counterparts, with the sides seeking an agreement on racing dates and operations.