U.S. Handle Stable, Purses Up During Second Quarter

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Edited NTRA release
The National Thoroughbred Racing Association and Equibase Company on Monday released the "Thoroughbred Racing Economic Indicators" for United States and Canadian pari-mutuel wagering on U.S. Thoroughbred racing during the second quarter of 2006, as well as for U.S. purses and race days, with prior-year, second-quarter comparisons.

Pari-mutuel handle increased 0.56% to slightly more than $4 billion during the second quarter of 2006, compared with $3.99 billion during same period in 2005. Aggregate purses rose 3.64%, from $293.28 million in 2005 to $303.96 million in 2006 in year-over-year, second-quarter comparisons. The number of U.S. race days rose by 10, to 1,776 during this year's second quarter.

"The second-quarter handle and purses statistics are solid -- especially given the absence of the Derby and Preakness winners in this year's Belmont Stakes field," said Greg Avioli, interim CEO of NTRA/Breeders' Cup. "The record wagering on this past quarter's Kentucky Derby, along with the continuing upward trend in purse levels, provide cause for optimism as we head into the summer months."

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