(Selma, Texas - July 21, 2011) - Retama Park is reporting a significant increase in handle and attendance for the first three weeks of the 2011 American Quarter Horse Meeting. The result is an immediate increase in purses averaging $1,000 per race.
 
“We are excited that business has exceeded our projections, and horsemen will share in reaping the benefit,” said Retama Park Racing Secretary James Leartherman.
 
Live handle, the money wagered on-track, is up 11% over 2008, the last time Retama Park conducted a live Quarter Horse meeting. Export handle, money wagered at off-track locations on Retama Park’s live meet, is up a dramatic 70% compared to 2008.

Live attendance improved 32% for the same reporting period.
 
 
See the chart below for details.
 
 
Attendance                               2011                            2008____% Change
                                                3,702                           2,813               32%

Handle
 
Live                                          135,372                      121,794          11%
Export                                      195,992                      115,382          70%

 
TQHA Sale Futurity News
 
Leatherman announced the purse for the July 29th TQHA Sales Futurity will be $400,000.