Total handle on U.S. races rises 2.7 percent in September

Total betting on U.S. races in September was up 2.7 percent compared to the same month last year, despite a 4.8 percent decline in the number of races held, according to data released Wednesday by Equibase.

Total betting during the month was $938.2 million, or $292,730 per race. The average race handle was up 8.0 percent compared to the average race handle of $270,936 in September of last year, when a total of 160 more races were held at U.S. tracks.

Both September of this year and September of last year had eight weekend dates. Handle is typically far higher on weekend dates than weekdays.

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Purses shot up 7.0 percent in the month compared to September of last year, to a total of $138.3 million, or an average of $43,151 per race. That is an increase of 12.3 percent over the average purse last September of $38,425. Purses at many U.S. tracks are heavily subsidized by casino revenues.

Average field size crept up 1.0 percent compared to September of last year, from 7.16 horses per race to 7.23 horses.

For the quarter ending in September, total wagering was up 1.8 percent on a 2.8 percent decline in races.

Year-to-date, handle is up 0.5 percent on a 0.8 percent decline in races held. Average field size through the first nine months of 2022 is down 1.1 percent, from 7.27 horses per race to 7.19 horses.

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