Kentucky Derby Day Wagering Rebounds to $233 Million

All-sources betting on the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) rebounded to the near-record levels that make it a centerpiece of Churchill Downs Inc.'s business.

The Louisville-based gambling company reported May 1 that all-sources wagering on the Kentucky Derby Day program totaled $233 million, surpassed only by the record of $250.9 million of 2019. Saturday's total represented an 85% increase over the pandemic-delayed 2020 Derby Day last September.

Betting on the 19-horse, 2021 Kentucky Derby race was $155.4 million, off of the $165.5 million in 2019 but a 96% increase over last year, with 15 starters.

The combined all-sources handle of $287.3 million reported for both Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1) and Derby days is second-best in Churchill Downs history, bettered only by the $311.1 million in 2019 and nearly double last year's $156.8 million.

After COVID-19 led to a fanless 2020 Derby, Churchill reported 51,838 attended to watch Medina Spirit  win the 147th running of the $3 million Kentucky Derby.

Derby week handle also was a second-best—$314.6 million, missing the record of $343 million in 2019. The 2021 total was up 79% from last year.

Churchill also reported its TwinSpires account wagering service had a record preliminary handle of $62.7 million on Churchill Downs Derby Day races, an increase of 66% over the prior year. TwinSpires also recorded preliminary record handle on the Derby race of $40.8 million, up 75% over 2020.

"Today it was incredibly gratifying to welcome our fans back to Churchill Downs for the 147th running of the Kentucky Derby," CDI CEO Bill Carstanjen said in the release. "We will continue to invest in this iconic event as we create unique and once-in-a-lifetime experiences in the coming years for our guests."

Only horsemen, media, and owners attended last year's Derby week races.