The 150th Spring Meet at Churchill Downs concluded Sunday with a record $708.3 million wagered over the 43-day meet.
That broke the 2022 Spring Meet record of $614.8 million by $93.5 million. Just 10 years ago, the Spring Meet betting totaled $368.8 million.
All sources handle during the six-day Derby Week (April 27-May 4) rose to $446.6 million–including $320.5 million on Kentucky Derby Day–to eclipse last year's Derby Week record of $412.0 million.
The wagering increases continued throughout the final 37 days of the Spring Meet (May 9-June 30) as handle totaled $261.7 million, which was a $38.7 million and 17.4% increase from the previous post-Derby mark of $223.0 million during the 2022 Spring Meet.
Saturday's 12-race Stephen Foster Day card attracted the most wagers in the 43-year history of the event. Betting totaled $18.8 million, which was a $4.9 million or 35% increase from the last time it was held at Churchill Downs in 2022. The $18.8 million milestone also was the second-largest non-Derby Week or Breeders' Cup wagering day in the history of the track, only behind the $19.3 million bet on Stephen Foster Preview Day during the COVID-19 pandemic on May 23, 2020.
“From record prize money to large fields, high-quality participants, robust wagering and large payouts, this year's record-breaking Spring Meet delivered all-around positive results,” said President of Churchill Downs Racetrack Mike Anderson. “The horse owners, jockeys and trainers provided exceptional competition on the racetrack, and our team and partners delivered an outstanding guest experience. We extend our sincerest appreciation to the horseplayers and the greater Louisville community who made this year's Spring Meet so special and enjoyable.”
A record $58 million was paid in purses during the nine-week Spring Meet, which averaged $1.4 million daily with an average purse per race of $139,000.
Churchill Downs lured 3,432 starters for its 418 races for an average of 8.2 horses per race.
Racing on the Kentucky circuit will shift to Ellis Park Racing & Gaming beginning Thursday at 12:50 p.m. ET for their 25-day stand. Live action at Churchill Downs will return Thursday, Sept. 12 for the 14-day September Meet.
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