U.S. - Purses Up, Pari-Mutuel Handle Down in 2019

Fueled by strong purse growth in Kentucky—specifically Churchill Downs—purses for races in the United States increased 4.5% in 2019 to $1,167,921,650 compared with 2018. It's the second straight season of strong growth for U.S. purses as they improved 3.5% in 2018.

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While purses improved in 2019, the rash of breakdowns at Santa Anita Park that forced the Southern California track to halt racing after its March 8 card before reopening March 29, likely impacted pari-mutuel wagering. Wagering on U.S. races in 2019 was down 2% to $11,038,790,395 compared with last year.

Kentucky Derby Boosts Purse to $5 Million; $3.1 Mi...