Fewer weekend dates contribute to decline in April handle

Total wagering during the month of April on Thoroughbred races run in the U.S. dropped 11.4 percent compared to the same month last year, according to figures distributed by Equibase on Monday, but the decline was mitigated somewhat by two fewer weekend race dates this year and a 4.5 percent decline in the number of races held.

April of last year had 10 weekend dates, compared to eight this year. Wagering on weekend dates is typically far higher than on weekdays.

The number of races held in April this year dropped from 2,351 to 2,245, according to the figures. Average betting per race dropped 7.3 percent, to $412,853, compared to the average last April of $445,059.

Total purses distributed during the month dropped 5.9 percent, from $96.5 million to $90.8 million. The average purse dropped 1.2 percent, from $41,032 per race in April of last year to $40,446 in April this year.

Field size was static during the month, at 7.54 horses per race, compared to 7.51 horses per race in April of last year.

For the year, total wagering on U.S. Thoroughbred races is down 6.1 percent, though the number of races held is down 7.2 percent.

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