A nine percent decrease in total handle at Saratoga Race Course this summer led to a total U.S. wagering decline of 7.30 percent in August of 2023, compared to the same month in 2022, according to statistics released Tuesday by Equibase. Year-to-date figures show a wagering decline of 4.09 percent in 2023.
Among the reasons for Saratoga's handle decline were unprecedented levels of rain, which forced 65 races off the turf course (compared to 16 races taken off the turf in 2022), and a spate of seven catastrophic breakdowns during the meet.
NYRA President and CEO Dave O'Rourke promised the following enhancements to improve racehorse safety: “In the coming months, NYRA will make significant investments in PET scan imaging to identify pre-existing injuries; finalize the path forward regarding the adoption of synthetic surfaces at each venue; and expand the use of biometric wearable devices. Horses, fans, and the racing community deserve nothing less.”
Across the rest of the country, with numerous cancellations due to extremely hot weather, race days in August were down 6.41 percent from the same month in 2022—409 days versus 437 days during the corresponding month last year. Year to date, the number of race days was down 4.47 percent.
Average field size actually showed a small increase in August, from 7.16 starters in 2023 compared to 7.13 in 2022. Year-to-date figures show field size up 1.64 percent, to an average of 7.30 starters.
Available U.S. purses in August resumed an increase following four straight months of decreases, up 1.88 percent to $132,745,643. Year-to-date figures also showed a slight uptick of 1.32 percent.
Average available purses per race day were up 12.62 percent in August. Similarly, year to date, average available purses per race day rose 10.00 percent.
| August 2023 vs. August 2022 | |||
| Indicator | August 2023 | August 2022 | % Change |
| Wagering on U.S. Races* | $1,107,146,014 | $1,194,362,432 | -7.30% |
| U.S. Purses (Available) | $132,745,643 | $130,293,668 | +1.88% |
| U.S. Purses (Paid) | $125,922,233 | $125,935,965 | -0.01% |
| U.S. Race Days | 409 | 437 | -6.41% |
| U.S. Races | 3,204 | 3,400 | -5.76% |
| U.S. Starts | 22,925 | 24,228 | -5.38% |
| Average Field Size | 7.16 | 7.13 | +0.41% |
| Average Wagering Per Race Day | $2,706,958 | $2,733,095 | -0.96% |
| Average Available Purses Per Race Day | $324,561 | $288,183 | +12.62% |
| YTD 2023 vs. YTD 2022 | |||
| Indicator | YTD 2023 | YTD 2022 | % Change |
| Wagering on U.S. Races* | $8,249,313,338 | $8,601,074,739 | -4.09% |
| U.S. Purses (Available) | $854,882,701 | $843,731,568 | +1.32% |
| U.S. Purses (Paid) | $819,847,264 | $813,549,148 | +0.77% |
| U.S. Race Days | 2,693 | 2,819 | -4.47% |
| U.S. Races | 21,934 | 22,805 | -3.82% |
| U.S. Starts | 160,102 | 163,766 | -2.24% |
| Average Field Size | 7.30 | 7.18 | +1.64% |
| Average Wagering Per Race Day | $3,063,243 | $3,051,108 | +0.40% |
| Average Available Purses Per Race Day | $317,446 | $288,595 | +10.00% |
* Includes worldwide commingled wagering on U.S. races.
The post Economic Indicators: Saratoga Wagering Dip Leads To National Handle Decline Of 7.30 Percent appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
