January handle drops 6.1 percent after rash of weather-related cancellations

Widespread winter-related cancellations at tracks throughout the Midwest and Northeast led to a 13.6 percent decline in the number of races at Thoroughbred tracks and a 6.1 percent drop in handle in the month of January when compared to the same month last year, according to figures released by Equibase on Thursday.

Although total wagering declined nearly $50 million for the month, the Equibase figures show that a large amount of handle migrated to other tracks in the face of the cancellations, with average wagering per race jumping 8.6 percent compared to January 2025.

U.S. tracks held 205 race cards in January, compared to 233 last year. The number of races in the month declined from 1,995 last year to 1,724 this year.

A massive U.S. winter storm has put most of the Midwest in a deep freeze since late January. Tracks in the Northeast also have canceled significant race days due to the same storm.

With race-day shipping at a standstill through much of the United States, average field size dropped 2.7 percent during the month, from 8.14 horses per race in January of last year to 7.92 this year.

Total purse distribution slumped 13.7 percent, from $79.48 million in January of last year to $69.60 million this year. The average purse, however, was statistically even with last year at $39,791.

January of this year had nine weekend dates, compared to eight weekend dates in January 2025. Wagering handle is generally far higher on weekends than weekdays.

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