U.S. Wagering, Race Days Down in September

Following a 4.8% decline in total race days during the month of September, total wagering on U.S. racing fell 2.09% during the month but the daily average handle increased 2.8%.

The Equibase Company's Thoroughbred racing economic indicators released Oct. 4 show that all-sources wagering on U.S. racing totaled $777,628,625 last month, down from $794,252,045 a year ago. The number of race days fell to 476 from 500, resulting in average race day handle of $1,633,674, compared with a $1,588,504 average in September 2013.

Despite the overall handle decline, purses for the month rose 2.87% to $110,958,980.

For the first three quarters of 2013, total U.S. handle is down nominally, U.S. race days have declined 2.93% and purses are almost even with the same period a year ago.