Average handle per race rises in November

Average wagering per race on U.S. Thoroughbred races held in November was up 7.5 percent over the same figure in November of last year, according to figures released by Equibase on Tuesday, though total wagering was down slightly.

The average jumped from $373,409 per race in November of last year to $401,556 in November this year after total handle dropped 0.9 percent and the total number of races fell 7.8 percent. The number of races at U.S. tracks has been dropping significantly over the past decade due to persistent declines in the foal crop and a consequent reduction in the number of races carded at U.S. tracks.

The jump in average wagering reversed a decline from last month in which average wagering dropped 3.3 percent. For the past several years, the average wagering figure has remained mostly static or grown somewhat on a month-to-month basis.

:: Bet the races with a $200 First Deposit Match + FREE All Access PPs! Join DRF Bets.

Total wagering in November was $910.73 million, according to Equibase, down from $918.59 million in November of last year. The total number of races fell from 2,460 last year in November to 2,268 in November of this year.

Both Novembers featured the two-day Breeders’ Cup event. Also in both cases, November had eight weekend dates.

Total purses distributed during November was $123.15 million, according to the figures, down 0.7 percent. Because of the drop in races, average purses jumped 8.1 percent, from $50,220 in November last year to $54,299 this year.

Purses have been consistently rising as racing opportunities decline but casino subsidies to racing remain static, or, in some jurisdictions like Kentucky, rise significantly.

Average field size rose from 7.62 horses per race in November of last year to 7.80 horses per race in November this year.

For the year, total wagering is down 4.4 percent, while the total number of races has declined 4.8 percent. The total amount of purses distributed is down 0.9 percent.

:: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.