Gaffalione and Ortiz share rider’s title in record meeting at Churchill

Tyler Gaffalione and José Ortiz shared top driver honors with 45 victories each in the 150th spring meet that concluded Sunday at Churchill Downs.

For Gaffalione, it was his 12th title at Churchill Downs as a leading jockey. It was the first such championship for Ortiz, who began riding in Kentucky this spring.

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With 33 victories, Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen captured his record 28th training title at Churchill Downs. Juddmonte was the third-time leading owner with 10 trips to the winner’s circle.

More dollars were wagered than ever before at this year’s spring meet. Powered by the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund through historic horse racing, Churchill Downs attracted $708.3 million in wagering over the 43 days. This broke the record of $614.8 million set at the spring 2022 meeting.

To give some perspective, wagering on spring competitions totaled $368.8 million in 2014.

All sources combined, winnings during the six-day Kentucky Derby week, April 27 through May 4, totaled $446.6 million, including an unprecedented $320.5 million on Kentucky Derby Day, eclipsing last year’s Derby week record of $412 million.

Betting increases continued throughout the final 37 days of the spring meet, from May 9 to June 30, as wagering totaled $261.7 million, an increase of $38.7 million. , or 17.4%, from the previous post-Derby mark of $223.0 million in the 2022 spring meet.

Saturday’s 12-race Stephen Foster (G1) day attracted the most bets in the event’s 43-year history. Wagering totaled $18.8 million, an increase of $4.9 million or 35% from the last time it was held at Churchill Downs in 2022. The 18.8 mark million dollars was also the second-largest betting day at the track outside of Derby week and the Breeders’ Cup. He was behind only Stephen Foster’s $19.3 million pitch day bet on May 23, 2020, during the COVID pandemic.

“From record-breaking prize money to large fields, high-quality entrants, robust wagering and strong payouts, this year’s record-breaking spring competition delivered overall positive results,” said Mike Anderson, racetrack president. from Churchill Downs. “Horse owners, jockeys and trainers provided exceptional competition on the racetrack, and our team and partners delivered an exceptional customer experience. We extend our sincerest gratitude to the horseplayers and the greater Louisville community who made this year’s spring meet so special and enjoyable.

A record $58 million was paid out in purses during the nine weeks of the spring meet, an average of $1.4 million per day. The average purse per race was $139,000. Churchill Downs drew 3,432 starters for its 418 races, an average of 8.2 horses per race.