Wagering in the U.S. Down 5%, Average Field Size Up for April

Wagering on U.S. races dipped 5.16% to $878,811,558 (worldwide commingled figures) during the month of April in 2025 versus figures registered one year ago, according to an Equibase release of Thoroughbred Racing Economic indicators Monday.

Conversely, average field size rose 2.29% from 7.54 in 2024 to 7.71 last month. Also up, average wagering per race day increased 1.24% to $3,487,347, while average available purses per day ticked up by 3.14% to $364,014.

In year-to-date figures (2025 vs. 2024), wagering in the U.S. fell 3.77% to $3,384,083,316 (worldwide commingled wagering on U.S. races), while U.S. purses (paid) dropped 3.29% to $333,703,257.

Also in 2025, U.S. race days decreased to 967 from 1,023 in 2024.

Showing an increase in 2025, average field size rose 3% to 7.88 and average available purses per day was up 2.8% to $364,099. Average wagering per day increased by 1.8% to $3,499,569.