May wagering up from 2019 despite an April Kentucky Oaks Day

Total wagering on U.S. races held in May this year was up 8.8 percent compared to the same month in 2019, prior to the pandemic disruptions, even as the total number of races held in the month dropped 11.6 percent compared to May of 2019, according to figures distributed by Equibase on Friday.

The May figure was yet another strong gain in gross betting on racing, one month after betting in April surged 30.4 percent compared to April in 2019 (a figure aided somewhat by the fact that the Kentucky Oaks and its undercard fell on the last day of the month, rather than in May). For the year, total wagering on U.S. Thoroughbred races is up 12.9 percent, despite an 8.9 percent decline in total races.

Wagering this year in May – which included 10 weekend dates, identical to May of 2019 – was $1.42 billion, compared to $1.30 billion in May of 2019. Average wagering per race was $435,675, up 22.2 percent compared to average wagering of $356,417 in May two years ago.

:: Bet the Belmont Stakes on DRF Bets! Join today with code DOUBLE and get a $250 Bonus.

Several tracks that normally operate throughout most of May did not start until late in the month, including Delaware Park and Monmouth Park.

Total purses distributed during the month was $106.7 million, down 7.8 percent compared to total purses of $115.8 million in May 2019 (this year’s figure was impacted negatively by the Oaks card falling in April). Due to the decline in races held, however, average purse per race was up 3.5 percent to $32,840, compared to average purse of $31,720 in May two years ago.

Purses at U.S. racetracks are heavily subsidized by casino operations.

Average field size during the month was 7.13 horses per race, statistically even with the average of 7.11 horses in May of 2019, but down 17.5 percent compared to May of last year, when few tracks were open and horsemen were starved for opportunities at the entry box.