More dollars were wagered than ever before at this year’s 150th Spring Meet at Churchill Downs.
Louisville’s high-quality racing product with super-charged purses—supported by the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund through historic horse racing—has attracted bettors and horsemen from around the world.
A total of $708.3 million was wagered over the 43-day period ending June 30. That broke the 2022 Spring Meet record of $614.8 million by a whopping $93.5 million. For some perspective, Spring Meet betting totaled $368.8 million in 2014, 10 years ago.
Total revenue for the hugely successful six-day Derby Week (April 27 – May 4) rose to $446.6 million—including an unprecedented $320.5 million on Kentucky Derby Day—surpassing last year’s Derby Week record of $412.0 million.
The increase in betting continued throughout the final 37 days of the Spring Tour (May 9 – June 30) as total betting reached $261.7 million, an increase of $38.7 million and 17.4% above the previous post-Derby record of $223.0 million in the 2022 Spring Derby.
The June 29 Stephen Foster Day card attracted the most wagers in the event’s 43-year history. Total betting revenue reached $18.8 million, up $4.9 million, or 35%, from the last time it was held at Churchill Downs in 2022. The $18.8 million mark is also the second-largest non-Derby Week or Breeders’ Cup betting day in the track’s history, trailing only the $19.3 million wagered on Stephen Foster Preview Day during the COVID-19 pandemic on May 23, 2020.
“From record-breaking prize money to large fields, high-quality entries, strong betting and large prize money, this year’s record-breaking Spring Meet delivered positive results,” said Mike Anderson, president of Churchill Downs. “Horse owners, jockeys and trainers delivered exceptional competition on the track, and our team and partners delivered an outstanding guest experience. We extend our sincerest thanks to the horsemen and the greater Louisville community who made this year’s Spring Meet so special and exciting.”
A record $58.0 million was awarded during the nine-week Spring Meeting, an average of $1.4 million per day. The average prize per race is $139,000.
Churchill Downs attracted 3,432 starters for 418 races for a healthy average of 8.2 horses per race.
Tyler Gaffalione and Jose Ortiz share the leading rider title with 45 wins each. For Gaffalione, this is his 12th Churchill Downs title as top jockey. It was the first local championship for Ortiz, who began riding in Kentucky this spring.
Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen won his record-extending 28th local coaching title with 33 wins. Juddmonte is the leading owner for the third time with 10 trips to the winner’s circle.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
