Handle Up Slightly Through First Nine Months

A strong September in terms of handle on U.S. races helped wagering figures through the first three quarters of 2015 stay in the black, according to Thoroughbred racing economic indicators released Oct. 5 by Equibase.

Through the end of September, wagering on U.S. races was up 0.86% to more than $8.3 billion compared with $8.23 billion the first nine months of 2014. Year-over-year handle on U.S. races has improved just twice in the past 11 years.

U.S. purses have not fared as well through the first nine months, down 1.77% to $831,498,950. 

Handle and purse figures have been impacted by a 5.05% decline in races this year, 30,729, compared with 2014 when 32,362 were run. Average handle per race is up 7.7% this year to $236,895 and the average purse per race is up 5.2% to $28,875.

September registered strong handle and purse numbers as wagering improved 11.9% to $776.27 million and purses were up 7.13% to $112.19 million. Total races were down 2.91% to 3,598.

Labor Day in 2015 fell on Sept. 7, putting the entire holiday weekend's numbers into play this year. Last year the Monday holiday fell on Sept. 1, putting the holiday weekend's Saturday and Sunday handle numbers in August. This year Saratoga Race Course ran six dates in September compared with just one last year.