Hollywood Gaming race course records record revenues

Staff report

AUSTINTOWN

The Ohio-Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course reported record revenues for the 2015 fall and winter season, the racino announced on Wednesday.

In its second year in business, about $4.8 million was paid out to horseman and overnight purses averaged more than $106,000. There were ten stake races worth $875,000 that were contested, including the $200,000 Steel Valley Sprint. The average field size was amoung the highest in the country, with 3,262 horses competing in 322 races, averaging 10.13 per race.

On the betting front, the total handle rose to $25,690,640 wagered, with an average of $694,341 daily. On-track wagering was up from the past two meets with $1,136,143, including an average of $30,706.

“Our entire racing team went above and beyond the call of duty to help make this season a success.” Mark Loewe, the Vice-President of Ohio Racing Operations for Penn Gaming said in a press release. “Like most of the country, we have enjoyed a very temperate climate thus far. That, along with the support of our fans and from horsemen throughout Ohio and neighboring areas contributed greatly to our increases.”

On the year, Kentucky native Terry Houghton was the winningest jockey with 29 in 214 starts. His mounts earned $546,016. Houghton has been the most successful jockey at the racino for the second year in a row and the 46-year-old has more than 5,400 wins in his career. Edgar Paucar and Luis Gonzalez rounded out the top three with 22 and 19 wins.

Among trainers, Michigan veterinarian Robert Goran had the most victories with 21 in 103 starts, with his horses taking home $359,173. Youngstown native Elliott Sullivan won 17 races in 61 starts for second place. The 28-year-old trainer also takes care of the two winningest thoroughbred horses in the nation this year. Fillies Tribal Custom and Chella hold 12 and 10 wins, respectively. Jeff Radosevich rounds out the group with 15 wins.

The Austintown track is taking a brief break before returning to action on Saturday before continuing on a four-day-a-week schedule. First post is 12:45 p.m. during the week and 12:15 p.m. on Saturday.