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% |
* Includes world-wide commingled wagering on U.S. races.