After 43 days of racing, Century Downs Racetrack and Casino wrapped up the 2021 horse racing season on Sunday, November 7.
Overall, source wagering for the season came in at $6,961,528, and in total, we hosted 445 races. Despite the challenges presented by COVID-19 restrictions our average bet per day was up by 2% in 2021, surpassing the 2020 mark of $161,000 to come in at $164,000.
On the track, it was an exciting season for racing fans and drivers with plenty of milestones and record setting races and runs throughout the meet.
This year’s Packwood Grand event (August 7, 2021) was a huge success, a sold out crowd took in a fabulous day of sunshine and champagne and helped us beat our previous record for Standardbred racing handle, setting a new handle record of $88,511.60.
Adding to the excitement on and off the track this season, Driver/Trainer Kelly Hoerdt celebrated 2,500 career wins on July 6th, and hot on his heels with achievements, Driver/Trainer Brandon Campbell achieved 2,000 career wins a couple of weeks later on July 27th. To wrap up career milestones, Dave Kelly accomplished 500 career wins on Sept 7th.
In September, the track recognized and honoured Keith Clark, a well-known member of the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame for his retirement.
Thank you to everyone who came out to the races, wagered, and supported the industry in 2021. We can’t wait to see you in the New Year with another wonderful season of horse racing at Century Downs Racetrack and Casino.