Tag: The Biz

Total wagering on races in the United States declined -6.68% in July, which had 30 fewer race days compared with the July the previous year, according to the economic indicators released Sunday by Equibase.

Wagering in July, which includes worldwide commingled betting on U.S. races, was $1,067,688,807 versus $1,144,093,082 in July 2022.

Year-to-date figures on wagering on U.S. races were down as well to $7,142,167,324 compared with $7,406,712,307, a decrease of 3.57%.

With numerous cancellations due to extremely hot weather and continuing poor air quality from Canadian wildfires, race days in July were down 6.62% from the same month in 2022—423 days versus 453 days during the corresponding month last year. Year to date, the number of race days was down 4.11%.

Available U.S. purses in July decreased for the fourth consecutive month to $123,332,940, down 1.10% from $124,707,637 in July 2022 after not having shown a decline since February of 2021. Year-to-date figures, however, showed a slight uptick of 1.22%.

Average available purses per race day were up nearly 10% in July, rising to $291,567, a 9.56% increase from $266,124 in July 2022. Average field size was also in positive territory, up slightly from 6.94 last July to 7.05, a 1.60% rise.

Similarly, year to date, average available purses per race day rose 9.53% to $316,169 compared with $288,670. Average field size was up 1.85%.

Thoroughbred Racing Economic Indicators

For July 2023

July 2023 vs. July 2022
Indicator	July 2023	July 2022	% Change
Wagering on U.S. Races*	$1,067,688,807	$1,144,093,082	-6.68%
U.S. Purses (Available)	$123,332,940	$124,707,637	-1.10%
U.S. Purses (Paid)	$117,565,157	$120,554,125	-2.48%
U.S. Race Days	423	453	-6.62%
U.S. Races	3,316	3,535	-6.20%
U.S. Starts	23,372	24,524	-4.70%
Average Field Size	7.05	6.94	+1.60%
Average Wagering Per Race Day	$2,524,087	$2,525,592	-0.06%
Average Available Purses Per Race Day	$291,567	$266,124	+9.56%

 

YTD 2023 vs. YTD 2022
Indicator	YTD 2023	YTD 2022	% Change
Wagering on U.S. Races*	$7,142,167,324	$7,406,712,307	-3.57%
U.S. Purses (Available)	$722,130,308	$713,435,900	+1.22%
U.S. Purses (Paid)	$693,924,397	$687,611,733	+0.92%
U.S. Race Days	2,284	2,382	-4.11%
U.S. Races	18,730	19,405	-3.48%
U.S. Starts	137,177	139,538	-1.69%
Average Field Size	7.32	7.19	+1.85%
Average Wagering Per Race Day	$3,127,043	$3,109,451	+0.57%
Average Available Purses Per Race Day	$316,169	$288,670	+9.53%

 * Includes worldwide commingled wagering on U.S. races.

The post Economic Indicators For July Show Declines In Wagering, Race Days, Purses appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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The New York Racing Association Inc. (NYRA) is saddened to report that Maple Leaf Mel sustained a catastrophic injury to her right front leg at the finish of Saturday's Grade 1, $500,000 Test at Saratoga Race Course. Despite the immediate response of on-site veterinarians, the filly was humanely euthanized due to the severity of the injury.

Maple Leaf Mel was ridden by Joel Rosario and trained by Melanie Giddings. Rosario was unseated during the incident and sent to Albany Medical Center for further evaluation and to receive stiches for facial abrasions.

Owned by August Dawn Farm and bred by Joe Fafone, Maple Leaf Mel was undefeated in five previous career starts, including stakes victories in the Seeking the Ante last August at Saratoga, the East View in March at Aqueduct Racetrack, the Grade 3 Miss Preakness in May at Pimlico Race Course and, most recently, the Grade 3 Victory Ride on July 8 at Belmont Park. Maple Leaf Mel was previously trained by Jeremiah Englehart and was making her second career start on Saturday for Giddings.

Every horse entered to compete at Saratoga Race Course is required to undergo an extensive pre-race veterinary examination before the horse is permitted to race. In addition to physical inspection and observation, regulatory veterinarians perform a detailed review of each horse's medical records, past performances and workouts. Maple Leaf Mel passed the required pre-race veterinary inspection in accordance with these well-established protocols.

In the process of investigating this injury, a necropsy will be performed at Cornell University with the results to be analyzed by Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) officials, the New York State Equine Medical Director and NYRA leadership.

“The health and safety of horses and jockeys competing at NYRA tracks is our highest priority and one that stands above all other considerations,” said Pat McKenna, NYRA VP of Communications. “NYRA, HISA and the New York State Gaming Commission will closely review the circumstances around this incident to ensure we are providing the safest possible environment for racing and training at Saratoga Race Course.”

The post NYRA Issues Statement On Maple Leaf Mel, Circumstances Of Breakdown To Be Reviewed appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Wednesday's fourth race at Belterra Park may be among the Ohio track's most-watched stretch runs after jockey Chantal Sutherland posted the video to Twitter that afternoon.

“What is happening here @Belterra?” she wrote. “Ummm calling Stewards….”

The original video (see below) has been viewed over 450,000 times as of Friday afternoon, and multiple social media users shared additional copies of the same stretch run with expressions of outrage and disbelief.

In the viral clip, jockey Gregory Romero can be seen aboard the leading horse, Scooterandabigman, approaching the finish line. Romero is clear by nearly a length when he rises in his stirrups and appears to stop encouraging his mount altogether. The lack of action allows Hillbilly Logic and jockey John McKee to close down the center of the Belterra turf course, hitting the wire a neck ahead of Romero and Scooterandabigman. As Romero's mount is passed, the jockey can be seen looking at the oncoming horse over his shoulder, though he never resumes riding.

Hillbilly Logic was the 1.20-1 favorite; Scooterandabigman went off at 9.90-1.

The Equibase chart footnotes read: “Scooterandabigman had a rail trip chasing pace to stretch, angled out to the lead, stayed on in the late going but nailed on the wire with mild perseverance in the final four strides.”

According to a ruling obtained by the Paulick Report, a hearing was held in the stewards' office at Belterra Park for jockey Gregory Romero on Thursday, August 3, 2023, regarding an allegation of careless riding.

“After considering all testimony and evidence during this hearing, the Board of Stewards determined that Jockey Gregory Romero misjudged the finish line and failed to persevere through the wire which cost his mount a position,” the ruling reads. “Therefore, Jockey Gregory Romero is fined $1,000 (one-thousand dollars) and suspended thirty (30) days. This penalty will be reduced to $500 (five-hundred dollars) and suspended fifteen (15) days, if not appealed.”

After verbally waiving his right to appeal, jockey Gregory Romero will end up serving a 15-day suspension and paying a $500 fine. His fifteen (15) day suspension is from Aug, 9 through and including Aug. 23.

Romero has won with three of his 29 mounts in 2023; his lifetime statistics include 32 winners from 297 mounts in North America since 2016.

What is happening here @Belterra ummm calling Stewards…. pic.twitter.com/ybETtKlqpo

— Chantal Sutherland (@jockeychantal) August 2, 2023

The post Jockey Gregory Romero Will Serve 15-Day Suspension For Failure To Persevere In Belterra Race appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Ed Allred, owner and CEO of Los Alamitos Race Course, announced on Thursday morning that he will investing a minimum of $500,000 and up to $1,000,000 over the next 12 months on a series of significant improvement projects to the backstretch facilities at the Orange County track with the first set of new upgrades beginning immediately.

Los Alamitos Race Course management, which includes Track President Cathy Monji, Interim Racing Director Jordan Castaneda, and Track Superintendent Frank Sherren, have been conducting thorough inspections of all backstretch areas in recent weeks in order to designate and prioritize the projects. On Monday, August 7, work will start with modernizing men's and women's bathrooms in the backstretch. New concrete has already been poured into designated areas to help prevent standing water and avoid excess mud around the barns.

The improvements are in addition to the year-round repairs conducted by the maintenance staff at Los Alamitos in the barn area, which includes any type of roofing needs and repairs to the barns.

In June, Los Alamitos completed work on improvements to the receiving barn and testing areas prioritizing suggestions and recommendations from staff in those areas. Los Alamitos also built a brand-new office at the main entrance of the barn area for more efficient traffic control.

“We are going to continue to improve and modernize our backstretch at Los Alamitos Race Course,” Allred said. “The work on announced projects will start right away.”

Less than 10 years ago, after the closure of Hollywood Park and in anticipation of the Southern California Thoroughbred racing circuit's need for training and racing, Los Alamitos Race Course conducted an extensive racetrack expansion from a 5/8ths of a mile track to a mile dirt track. This landmark construction was completed ahead of the announced deadlines, and featured major changes, as well as improvements to the barn area. These improvements included the building of four brand new, modern, and full-sized barns in preparation for the influx of horses from Hollywood Park. A new receiving barn closer to the paddock area was also built; and the large walking area between the rows of barns was completely changed from a paved path to a dirt path – consistent to the dirt being used on the racetrack – to improve horse and rider safety.

Additional projects to the barn area for 2023-2024 will be announced in the months to come. For more information on racing at Los Alamitos Race Course, please visit LosAlamitos.com.

The post Los Alamitos: Allred Plans Up To $1 Million In Backstretch Improvements appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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