Purses up, betting down slightly through June
Wagering on races held at U.S. tracks in the month of June dropped nearly 5 percent compared to the same month last year, according to figures released by Equibase on Monday, while purses continued to inch up despite the decline.
Wagering during June this year was $911.9 million, down $44.9 million, or 4.7 percent, compared to betting in June of last year of $956.8 million. This year, June had eight weekend dates, while June of last year had nine weekend dates.
The number of races held during the month at U.S. tracks dropped 0.5 percent. Average wagering per race dropped 4.2 percent to $309,315.
The average field size for races held during the month dropped to 6.87 horses per race, down from 7.06 in June of last year. Field size is a primary determinant of handle, and the average field size had not fallen below seven horses in any month in recent memory.
Still, purses, which are heavily subsidized in the U.S. by casino revenues, continued their upward march, with total purse distribution during June of this year climbing 3.2 percent. The average purse was $38,613, up 3.7 percent compared to June of last year.
Through the second quarter of 2026, total handle is down 2.5 percent, while races are down 1.3 percent. The average field size for the first six months of the year has been 7.01 horses per race, down from 7.24 horses per race in the first six months of 2025. Purses are up 3.7 percent.
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