The Downs at Albuquerque closed its 57-date meet for Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses on Sept. 24 with an increase in average daily handle and average daily purses, according to a press release from the New Mexico track. Albuquerque handled an average $229,453 a day on its races, up 8 percent from $211,772 a day during the corresponding 60-date meet in 2016. Purses averaged $163,465 a day this meet, up 4 percent from $156,771 at the corresponding meet a year ago. Alfredo Juarez Jr. was the leading Thoroughbred rider, and Isaias Cardenas was the leading Quarter Horse jockey. Justin Evans won the Thoroughbred training title, and Jesus Carrete was the leading Quarter Horse trainer. Jose Silva was the leading Thoroughbred owner, and Jesus Estrada was the leading Quarter Horse owner.