Total handle for the live Thoroughbred meeting at Woodbine declined 1.55% in Canadian money compared with a year ago.

The total was $269,046,948, a big drop in American dollars from $339,427,648 last year, but only a slight decrease in Canadian dollars, from $343,059,524 to $337,734,635.

With 39 fewer races in 2009, average handle per race increased 0.91% in Canadian dollars, from $215,489 to $217,472.

Average field size was unchanged at 9.0 horses per race.

"In light of the handle dips we've seen during other Thoroughbred meets across the continent this year, we are pleased with the results," said Sean Pinsonneault, Woodbine Entertainment Group's vice president of wagering services. "Fans across the continent respect our product and we'll continue to earn that respect by improving the quality and size of our fields in 2009."

Purses totaled $72.1-million ($90.6-million Canadian), compared with 88.6-million Canadian.

Jockey Patrick Husbands and trainer Mark Casse led the meet standings for the second straight year.

Husbands registered 166 wins from 809 mounts for his fifth Woodbine riding title. Jim McAleney finished second with 162 wins.

Casse earned his fifth Woodbine title with 75 wins from 485 starters.