Record bet on spring meetings at Churchill Downs

The 150th spring meet at Churchill Downs ended Sunday with a record $708.3 million in stakes over the 43 days of the meet.

This broke the 2022 Spring Meet record of $614.8 million by $93.5 million. Just 10 years ago, Spring Meet betting totaled $368.8 million.

All sources combined, revenue generated during the six days of Derby Week (April 27 to May 4) reached $446.6 million, including $320.5 million on Kentucky Derby day, eclipsing the previous record. last year’s Derby Week, which was $412 million.

The stake increases continued throughout the final 37 days of the Spring Meet (May 9 to June 30), with the amount totaling $261.7 million, an increase of $38.7 million and 17,000. 4% from the previous post-Derby record of $223.0 million at the 2022 Spring Meet.

Saturday’s 12-race Stephen Foster 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 was also the second-largest non-Derby Week or Breeders’ Cup bet in the track’s history, only behind the $19.3 million bet on Stephen Foster Preview Day during the COVID-19 pandemic on May 23, 2020.

“From record prizes to big fields, high-quality participants, strong betting and big payouts, this year’s Spring Meet broke all records and delivered positive results across the board,” said Mike Anderson, president of Churchill Downs Racetrack. “The horse owners, jockeys and trainers provided exceptional competition on the racetrack, and our team and partners provided an exceptional guest experience. We extend our sincerest thanks to the punters 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 over the nine weeks of the Spring Meet, averaging $1.4 million per day and an average purse per race of $139,000.

Churchill Downs attracted 3,432 starters for its 418 races, an average of 8.2 horses per race.

Racing on the Kentucky circuit will take place at Ellis Park Racing & Gaming starting Thursday at 12:50 p.m. ET for a duration of 25 days. Live racing at Churchill Downs will return on Thursday, September 12 for the 14-day September meet.

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This story was published in Top News and tagged Churchill Downs, Derby week, Ellis Park, gambling, handle, Kentucky Derby, Mike Anderson, Stephen Foster, betting.