Impacted partly by the decision of Gulfstream Park to alter its 2011-12 schedule, wagering on United States racing fell 7% in April, according to the Thoroughbred Racing Economic Indicators.
According to figures released by Equibase, wagering in April totaled $862,023,916, compared with $927,085,549 during April 2011. The 375 race days represented a decline of 6.48% from the 401 race days for the same month a year ago.
Gulfstream began its season in early December and ended the meet on April 8. Previously, the South Florida track raced through the entire month of April.
Just as it had a negative impact on April purses, Gulfstream’s early start helped a 17.88% handle increase for December 2011.
April 2012 purses of $84,944,514 were up slightly from the 2011 figure of $84,929,439.
For the year to date, wagering on U.S. racing is up 2.11% to $3,549,232,977 and total purses have risen $309,752,820, a 6.96% increase.