The Thoroughbred industry’s wagering handle fell in February amid difficult weather — one of several economic indicators to show declines during the month.
The Thoroughbred industry’s wagering handle ticked up in January, while the value of purses and the number of races declined.
The Maryland Jockey Club’s wagering handle fell during 2014, mirroring troubling national trends.
One day of Breeders’ Cup racing helped boost October’s national handle and purse numbers past those of October 2013.
National handle in August dipped versus that of a year ago, as did the number of starters, in our HandleTrak report.
Nationwide wagering handle declined slightly in July versus that in July 2013 and for the year-to-date continues to lag slightly behind that of last year.
Handle, purses, and race days all grew in May 2014 versus a year ago, but overall the picture was decidedly mixed.
Thoroughbred racing’s 2014 economic indicators continued to lag behind 2013 through an April that saw 6.5 percent fewer race days.
If handle declined for this year’s Grade 2 Charles Town Classic card, why was Erich Zimny smiling? Because it was still the track’s third-busiest day ever.
Bad weather and cutthroat competition made for a tough winter for Laurel Park, which saw wagering decline by nearly 20 percent.