U.S. Racing Impacted by Weather in February

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Description: 

A 5.07% decline in race days due to weather-related cancellations resulted in a 4.09% decrease in total wagering on U.S. races in February, according to the latest economic indicators from Equibase Company.

Handle on U.S. racing last month totaled $792,580,107, compared with $826,278,178 for February 2013. Purses paid during the month of $62,457,558 represented a 5.7% decline from the same month a year ago.



While total handle fell due to the decreased number of race days, the average of $2,820,356 for the 281 race days during February 2014 represented a slight increase over the $2,791,480 average for 296 race days in February 2013.



For the first two months of 2014, there were two fewer race days than last year, with wagering down 2.18% and purses paid declining 2.17%.

 

Thoroughbred Racing Economic Indicators

For February 2014
February 2014 vs. February 2013


Indicator

February 2014

February 2013

% Change

Wagering on U.S. Races*

$792,520,107

$826,278,178

-4.09%

U.S. Purses

$62,457,558

$66,230,756

-5.70%

U.S. Race Days

                          281

296

-5.07%

YTD 2014 vs. YTD 2013


Indicator

YTD 2014

YTD 2013

% Change

Wagering on U.S. Races*

$1,593,030,550

$1,628,597,003

-2.18%

U.S. Purses

$129,460,147

$132,337,832

-2.17%

U.S. Race Days

586

588

-0.34%

* Includes worldwide commingled wagering on U.S. races