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Monday, April 24, 2006Contact: Eric Wing, NTRA
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US betting up in first QTR 2006

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) and Equibase Company LLC today released the “Thoroughbred Racing Economic Indicators“ for United States and Canadian pari-mutuel wagering on U.S. Thoroughbred racing during the first quarter of 2006, as well as for U.S. purses and race days, with prior-year, first-quarter comparisons.

Despite fewer racing dates during the first quarter of 2006 compared with the same period in 2005, pari-mutuel handle increased 3.73% and aggregate purses rose 1.33% in year-over-year, first quarter comparisons.

“The first-quarter handle and purses statistics are very solid—especially in light of the quarter’s drop in racing dates,” said NTRA Commissioner D.G. Van Clief, Jr. “It was also a quarter that saw an unraced two-year-old sell at auction for a record $16 million, so there are a number of reasons to feel encouraged as we head into the Spring and Summer months.”

  • Wagering on U.S. Races 1Q 2006: $3,590,607,272
  • Wagering on U.S. Races 1Q 2005: $3,461,489,365
  • change: +3.73%

  • U.S. Purses 1Q 2006: $199,641,227
  • U.S. Purses 1Q 2005: $197,021,571
  • change: +1.33%

  • U.S. Race Days 1Q 2006: 1,154
  • U.S. Race Days 1Q 2005: 1,175
  • change: -1.79%