Wagering on U.S. races totaled $840,059,258 in February, a decrease of 6.79% from the $901,272,610 wagered in February 2020, according to figures released Thursday by Equibase. Race days declined from 296 in February 2020 to 219 last month and number of races fell from 2,477 to 1,928 from 2,477. Average wagering per day rose 25.98% from $3,044,840 a year ago to $3,835,887.
U.S. purses fell 19.70% to $62,100,791 during the month, while average purses per day rose 8.53% from $261,272 to $283,565.
During the first two months of the year, wagering on U.S. races is up 1.30% to $1,799,973,370, while average wagering per race day is up 23.74% to $3,797,412. U.S. purses in January and February fell 10.87% to $133,200,888 and average purses per day rose 8.87% to $281,015.
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