Kentucky Oaks Day a Record-Setter

Friday's Kentucky Oaks card at Churchill Downs attracted a record 123,763 fans, besting the previous Oaks-day record crowd of 116,046 set in 2010. 

Wagering from all-sources was the highest all-time on both the full 12-race Kentucky Oaks Day card and on the Oaks itself, according to figures released by Churchill Friday night. All-sources handle on the complete card totalled $46.1 million, an increase of 7% from the 2014 total of $43.2 million, and a 1% increase over the prior record set in 2013. All-sources wagering on the Kentucky Oaks rose 8% to $15.2 million from 2014's $14.1 million, and a 6% increase over the prior record set in 2013. 

On-track wagering on Friday's card was $12.0 million–up 2% from 2014. On-track wagering on the Oaks set a new record of $3.1 million–a 5% increase from last year's total of $3.0 million and a 2% increase from the previous record set in 2013. 

“The Kentucky Oaks has grown to become one of the most prominent horseraces in America attracting a high-quality field with gifted equine and human athletes,” said Churchill Downs Racetrack President Kevin Flanery. “With today's attendance, the Kentucky Oaks now ranks as the second-highest attended racing event in America, only behind the Kentucky Derby.”