from Rosecroft Raceway

Fort Washington, MD — The recently concluded 29-night fall meet at Rosecroft Raceway showed a 28 percent increase in total live handle versus the comparable 2012 meet.

A robust export handle, especially on Tuesday evenings, helped fuel the increased wagering figures. Exports were up 39 percent for the fall meet; live on-track handle was down just under three percent.

Another highlight of the fall meet was the strong Maryland racing presence. More than 85 percent of the entrants and purse winnings at Rosecroft were went to horses and horsemen in the Maryland preferred racing program. Two 12-race cards in the fall meet filled exclusively for Maryland preferred horses.

“These positive results are tempered with our disappointment that Rosecroft was not selected as the gaming location for Prince George’s County,” said Chris McErlean, Vice President of Racing for Penn National Gaming, parent company of Rosecroft Raceway. “We have worked closely with the racing industry to bring stability but the gaming decision will certainly have a long term impact for all involved.”

Frank Milby captured his third straight Rosecroft meet driving title with 64 wins. Michael Beaver (40) and Arthur Stafford, Jr. (28) finished second and third, respectively, in the driver standings. James Coughlin led the trainer standings with 25 wins in 118 starts and $106,549 in earnings.

Rocket Rosy, a winner on closing night for driver-trainer Roger Hans, was co-leader with six wins (out of eight starts with a second and third place finish as well) along with Major Secret (six wins in 11 starts with four second place finishes).

Rosecroft has been approved for 54 live racing dates in 2014 starting March 8. Full card harness and Thoroughbred simulcasting will continue daily except for dark days on Dec. 24 and 25.