Fewer races were held. Fewer horses were available. Wagering and attendance for thoroughbred horse racing at Presque Isle Downs were both up from a year ago, resulting in what senior director of operations Matt Ennis considers a “complete success.”
The downs faced multiple issues common in today’s horse racing industry, including shrinking horse population and growing external wagering competition. Key changes from 2022’s schedule, however, produced an encouraging 2023 meet at the Summit Township venue.
Export handle was up $3.3 million from 2022, or roughly 7%. Attendance also grew by 5,816, a 31% increase.
The downs held 88 race days in 2022 and just 79 this season. This year saw 634 races compared to 704 in 2022.
