Use (including viewing) of the material contained herein constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use.
  • Home
  • > News
  • > Press Releases
Press Releases
July 11, 2008
NEWS RELEASE


PURSES UP, HANDLE DOWN IN SECOND QUARTER OF 2008


Contact: Keith Chamblin, NTRA (859) 422-2645 Rhonda Norby, Equibase (859) 224-2856



The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) and Equibase Company LLC today released the "Thoroughbred Racing Economic Indicators" for United States and Canadian pari-mutuel wagering on U.S. Thoroughbred racing during the second quarter of 2008, as well as for U.S. purses and race days, with prior-year, second-quarter comparisons.

During the second quarter, pari-mutuel handle decreased 4.15% in year-over-year comparisons. Total purses increased by 3.60% during the same period, while race days were down slightly. For the six months ending on June 30, wagering is down 3.66% compared to 2007 levels, with purses up 1.44% and race days off by 0.66%.

"Our industry is in the midst of a challenging period with discretionary entertainment dollars tighter than they have been for several years," said Alex Waldrop, president and CEO of the NTRA. "Still, we are pleased that purse levels are more than holding their own, and we look forward to a summer season that features some highly anticipated meetings such as Saratoga and Del Mar."

Thoroughbred Racing Economic Indicators (second qtr. 2008 vs. second qtr. 2007)
Indicator 1Q 2008 1Q 2007 % Change
Wagering on U.S. Races* $3,837,687,728 $4,003,960,415 -4.15
U.S. Purses $317,235,241 $306,210,835 +3.60
U.S. Race Days 1,732 1,740 -0.46


*Includes worldwide commingled wagering on U.S. races and separate pool wagering in Canada on U.S. races.

Thoroughbred Racing Economic Indicators (first half 2008 vs. first half 2007)
Indicator 1,2 Q 2008 1,2 Q 2007 % Change
Wagering on U.S. Races* $7,265,345,359 $7,541,594,735 -3.66
U.S. Purses $540,869,662 $533,181,897 +1.44
U.S. Race Days 2,871 2,890 -0.66


*Includes worldwide commingled wagering on U.S. races and separate pool wagering in Canada on U.S. races.

Equibase Company is a partnership between The Jockey Club and the Thoroughbred Racing Associations of North America (TRA) and serves as the Thoroughbred Industry’s Official database for racing information and statistics. Through its Web site, equibase.com, the Company offers an ever-increasing menu of racing information, statistics and handicapping products for everyone from the casual fan to the most experienced handicapper.

The NTRA is a broad-based coalition of horse racing interests consisting of leading thoroughbred racetracks, owners, breeders, trainers and affiliated horse racing associations, charged with increasing the popularity of horse racing and improving economic conditions for industry participants. The NTRA has offices in Lexington, Ky., and New York City. NTRA press releases appear on the NTRA web site, NTRA.com.