Churchill Downs Reports Increases in Daily Handle

All-sources wagering on Churchill Downs' abbreviated 27-date spring meet totaled $240.5 million, a 53.3% increase from the 32 days of racing that followed last year's Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1), the Louisville track announced July 2. Additionally, the average daily handle was up 81.7% from $4.9 million one year ago to $8.9 million this season.

The 146th spring meet, which was delayed and shortened to seven weeks from May 16-June 28, was staged under strict protocols and without spectators for the first time in track history because of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, wagering took place almost exclusively online via advance deposit wagering outlets, one of which, TwinSpires.com, is owned by Churchill Downs Inc.

In general, wagering via ADW platforms does not return as much toward purses as wagers placed on-track.

Churchill Downs experienced four of the track's six largest non-Derby, Oaks, or Breeders' Cup betting days in track history, led by a record $19.3 million May 23 on Stephen Foster Preview day. Other big days were $16.8 million May 30 for the Winning Colors/Old Forester Mint Julep; $14.3 million on opening day May 16; and $13.8 million June 27 on Stephen Foster day.

Many tracks that were able to race this spring showed spikes in handle as a result of fewer tracks being in operation due to COVID-19.

The release of handle figures from Churchill Downs marked a change from past practices by CDI, which for many years declined to do so, claiming handle and attendance figures are no longer key markers of how well any one operating unit or the company as a whole is doing.

"In the midst of an unprecedented pandemic, we can't thank our horsemen and horseplayers enough for their continued support and enthusiastic response throughout the spring meet," Churchill Downs president Kevin Flanery said. "Our team worked tirelessly with public health officials and our horsemen navigated through uncharted territory to deliver an important economic driver in a safe environment for thousands of individuals in the Commonwealth. I couldn't be more proud of our staff and everyone who made the season possible.

"It was, however, an incredibly unusual season without fans in the stands, and they were greatly missed. We very much look forward to welcoming them back to Churchill Downs for Kentucky Derby Week in September."

A total of 2,536 horses made starts in the 268 races for an average of 9.5 horses per race—up from 8.4 horses in 2019, partially a reflection of less races being available due to closures. Nearby Indiana Grand, for example, did not begin its meet until June 15, two months later than scheduled, and Arlington International Racecourse outside Chicago has not yet opened.

Purses paid to horsemen totaled $15.6 million and averaged $576,000 per day compared to last year's $601,000 daily average. The average purse was $58,000 compared to last season's $63,000.

Equine stars shined during Churchill's spring meet, led by Midnight Bisou and Tom's d'Etat, the winners of the Fleur de Lis Stakes (G2) and Stephen Foster Stakes (G2), respectively.

Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen not only won his record-extending 23rd Churchill Downs training title, with 17 wins to 16 over Brad Cox, but he overtook south Louisville native Dale Romans as the track's all-time leading trainer.

Tyler Gaffalione reaffirmed his status as one of the sport's rising stars by outpacing 19-time local champion Corey Lanerie, 31 wins to 24, in the jockey standings. 

Owners Ken and Sarah Ramsey earned their record-extending 33rd crown as the leading owners at Churchill Downs. On May 24, the Nicholasville, Ky., couple registered their unprecedented 500th win beneath the Twin Spires and finished the season with 504 Churchill Downs wins.

Racing returns to Churchill Downs for a rescheduled Derby week Sept. 1-5, highlighted by the Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1) and Kentucky Derby, staged with spectators under strict guidelines.