Press Release

Press Release

January 4, 2019
MEDIA ADVISORY

Thoroughbred Racing Economic Indicators
For Year-End 2018
Editor’s Note: For the fourth consecutive year, total wagering on U.S. races increased year over year and topped $11 billion for the first time since 2010.


YTD 2018 vs. YTD 2017
Indicator
YTD 2018
YTD 2017
% Change
Wagering on U.S. Races*
$11,265,519,563
$10,906,103,251
+3.30%
U.S. Purses
$1,117,727,943
$1,079,738,209
+3.52%
U.S. Race Days
4,432
4,573
-3.08%
U.S. Races
36,586
37,628
-2.77%
U.S. Starts
279,774
290,745
-3.77%
Average Field Size
7.65
7.73
-1.03%
Average Wagering Per Race Day
$2,541,859
$2,384,890
+6.58%
Average Purses Per Race Day
$252,195
$236,112
+6.81%


4th QTR 2018 vs. 4th QTR 2017
Indicator
4th QTR 2018
4th QTR 2017
% Change
Wagering on U.S. Races
$2,422,227,759
$2,399,283,120
+0.96%
U.S. Purses
$268,535,841
$256,182,461
+4.82%
U.S. Race Days
936
952
-1.68%
U.S. Races
7,933
8,068
-1.67%
U.S. Starts
63,884
66,440
-3.85%
Average Field Size
8.05
8.24
-2.21%
Average Wagering Per Race Day
$2,587,850
$2,520,255
+2.68%
Average Purses Per Race Day
$286,897
$269,099
+6.61%

December 2018 vs. December 2017
Indicator
December 2018
December 2017
% Change
Wagering on U.S. Races*
$777,535,111
$744,530,000
+4.43%
U.S. Purses
$70,029,061
$64,401,456
+8.74%
U.S. Race Days
292
275
+6.18%
U.S. Races
2,517
2,359
+6.70%
U.S. Starts
20,485
19,792
+3.50%
Average Field Size
8.14
8.39
-3.00%
Average Wagering Per Race Day
$2,662,791
$2,707,382
-1.65%
Average Purses Per Race Day
$239,826
$234,187
+2.41%


Notes:

* Includes worldwide commingled wagering on U.S. races.


Contact: Rhonda Norby, Marketing and Communications Director, (859) 224-2856


© 2019 Equibase Company LLC, all rights reserved. Data provided or compiled by Equibase Company LLC generally is accurate, but occasionally errors and omissions occur as a result of incorrect data received by others, mistakes in processing and other causes. Equibase Company LLC disclaims responsibility for the consequences, if any, of such errors, but would appreciate their being called to their attention.