Total wagering on Thoroughbred races held at United States racetracks in the month of January increased slightly compared to the same month last year, while the average wagering per race declined due to an uncharacteristically high increase in the number of races held.
The number of races held at U.S. tracks jumped 7.7 percent in January compared to the same month last year, according to figures distributed on Monday by Equibase. The increase in races occurred despite cancellations at some Midwestern tracks because of winter weather and a lost weekend of racing at Santa Anita due to the fires in the Los Angeles-area.
Overall, there were 16 more race dates than in January 2024.
While total wagering increased by 2.9 percent, $780 million to $802.9 million, the average wagering per race dropped 4.4 percent, from $420,958 to $402,458. Both January of last year and January of this year had eight weekend dates.
The total amount of purses distributed during the month increased 8.0 percent, to $79.5 million. The average purse in January was statistically even with the average purse in January of last year, at $39,841.
Field size in January increased 3.6 percent, at 8.14 horses per race, up from 7.86 percent per race in January of last year.
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