Wagering Continues Declining Trends

Wagering on United States Thoroughbred racing in the first four months of the year declined 9.5%, according to Equibase’s “Thoroughbred Racing Economic Indicators” released May 4.

Total world-wide commingled handle on U.S. racing through April 30 was $4,135,186,454 as compared to $4,570,734,497 of the same period a year ago. Wagering in April alone declined 10.1% to $1,027,885,851.

U.S. purses also fell 5.1% to $298,239,972 in the first four months of the year, including a 9.2% decline in April to $82,285,129.

April 2009 vs. April 2008

Indicator	April 2009	April 2008	% Change
Wagering on U.S. Races*	$1,027,885,851	$1,143,003,738	-10.07%
U.S. Purses	$82,285,129	$90,659,342	-9.24%
U.S. Race Days	442	448	-1.34%

YTD 2009 vs. YTD 2008

Indicator	YTD 2009	YTD 2008	% Change
Wagering on U.S. Races*	$4,135,186,454	$4,570,734,497	-9.53%
U.S. Purses	$298,239,972	$314,315,150	-5.11%
U.S. Race Days	1,596	1,587	0.57%