Erie horse track boasts higher attendance

ERIE, Pa. (AP) — A thoroughbred race track in northwestern Pennsylvania says business was up in 2009, its second full season of operation.

Presque Isle Downs wrapped up its second 100-day racing season on Saturday. In 2009, the track averaged 784 who bet an average of $44,490 at the track and $383,407 in off-track sites for each of its eight-race cards.

In 2008, the track averaged just 660 fans per card, with an average of less than $40,000 wagered onsite and about $275,000 offsite.

Presque Isle Downs opened in September 2007, but that year offered only 25 days of racing.