The record crowd that watched Bernardini win the 2006 Preakness Stakes (G1) helped produce increases in total wagering at Pimlico Race Course and Laurel Park, according to figures released by the Maryland Jockey Club on Thursday.

All-sources mutuel handle for ’06 totaled $960.2-million compared to 896.1-million the previous year, when 11 more days of live racing were run. The average daily all-sources handle increased from $3.5-million to $4.1-million.

“It is encouraging,” said Lou Raffetto, president and chief operating officer of the Maryland Jockey Club. “The handle on Maryland racing, while running 11 fewer days that 2005, is up $92-million outside the state. Obviously, our product has been well received.”

The Preakness drew 118,402 fans to Pimlico. Total wagering on Preakness day was more than $87.5-million, the third-largest total in the 131-year history of the event. The second leg of the Triple Crown drew $56.4-million in wagers.

Daily mutuel handle numbers for Laurel’s fall meeting that concluded December 30 increased almost 8%. Handle figures also increased during Laurel’s winter and Pimlico’s spring meets.