The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) and Equibase Company LLC today released the third-quarter "Thoroughbred Racing Economic Indicators" for United States and Canadian pari-mutuel wagering on U.S. Thoroughbred racing in 2005, as well as for U.S. purses and race days, with prior-year comparisons.
With the number of racing days remaining flat, purses grew by 4.72 percent and pari-mutuel handle declined by 1.47 percent compared to third-quarter 2004.
"After across-the-board declines in the previous two quarters we are encouraged by the upward trend for purses," said NTRA Commissioner D.G. Van Clief, Jr. "Additional racing at Colonial Downs and Delaware Park as well as several ‘make up’ days at Evangeline Downs helped fuel this welcome growth, which translates to $15 million more prize money for horsemen over the same time period last year."
Thoroughbred Racing Economic Indicators (Third-Quarter 2005 versus 2004)
Wagering on U.S. Races: $3,862,608,260 - minus 1.47 % compared to 2004
U.S. Purses: $330,592,533 - plus 4.72 % compared to 2004
U.S. Race Days: 1,996 - plus 0.05 compared to 2004
Equibase Company is a partnership between The Jockey Club and the Thoroughbred Racing Associations of North America (TRA) and serves as the Thoroughbred industry’s Official database for racing information and statistics. Through its Web site, equibase.com, the Company offers an ever-increasing menu of racing information, statistics and handicapping products for everyone from the casual fan to the most experienced handicapper.
The NTRA is a broad-based coalition of horseracing interests, including the American Quarter Horse Association, charged with increasing popularity of horseracing and improving economic conditions for industry participants. The NTRA and Breeders’ Cup Limited also administer the Breeders’ Cup World Thoroughbred Championships, Thoroughbred racing’s year-end Championships consisting of eight races and $14 million in purses and awards and the Breeders’ Cup Stakes Program. The NTRA has offices in Lexington, Ky., and New York City. NTRA press releases appear on the NTRA Web site, ntra.com, and at the Web site for the Breeders’ Cup World Thoroughbred Championships, breederscup.com.
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