Wagering on United States Thoroughbred racing in the first four months of the year declined 9.5%, according to Equibase’s “Thoroughbred Racing Economic Indicators” released May 4.
Total world-wide commingled handle on U.S. racing through April 30 was $4,135,186,454 as compared to $4,570,734,497 of the same period a year ago. Wagering in April alone declined 10.1% to $1,027,885,851.
U.S. purses also fell 5.1% to $298,239,972 in the first four months of the year, including a 9.2% decline in April to $82,285,129.
April 2009 vs. April 2008
| Indicator | April 2009 | April 2008 | % Change |
| Wagering on U.S. Races* | $1,027,885,851 | $1,143,003,738 | -10.07% |
| U.S. Purses | $82,285,129 | $90,659,342 | -9.24% |
| U.S. Race Days | 442 | 448 | -1.34% |
YTD 2009 vs. YTD 2008
| Indicator | YTD 2009 | YTD 2008 | % Change |
| Wagering on U.S. Races* | $4,135,186,454 | $4,570,734,497 | -9.53% |
| U.S. Purses | $298,239,972 | $314,315,150 | -5.11% |
| U.S. Race Days | 1,596 | 1,587 | 0.57% |
* Includes world-wide commingled wagering on U.S. races..
.
