Through a smaller number of dates beginning in 2024, the Handle remains quite stable

The region that urban dwellers often overlook has now become a popular choice for those who enjoy placing bets.

Out of the leading 18 tracks in terms of total handle during the first quarter of 2024, only three experienced an increase of more than one point in total handle. These tracks include Oaklawn in Hot Springs, Ark., Fair Grounds in New Orleans, and Turfway Park in Florence, Ky., which is located near Cincinnati.

These three tracks also experienced the highest growth in handle per race compared to the other top 12 tracks during that period.

Churchill Downs Inc. is the proud owner of Turfway and Fair Grounds, which experienced the most significant increases among all tracks, with growth rates of 20 per cent and 17.7 per cent, respectively.

The total handle for the first quarter decreased by 4 per cent to $2,567,335,401. However, this decline was observed in 8.1 per cent fewer races. Consequently, the handle per race saw a positive growth of 4.5 per cent, reaching $401,460. The overall number of purses remained unchanged, resulting in a notable increase of 9 per cent in the average purse per race.

The numbers in March were comparable to those for the quarter. The total handle increased slightly due to a calendar shift that included an additional Saturday. This month also featured two Grade 1 preps for the Kentucky Derby, the Arkansas Derby and the Florida Derby, which took place in April last year. The average number of bets per race saw a comparable increase of 4.1 per cent, with the inclusion of Saturday races contributing to an 11.1 per cent boost in average prize money.