Record Spring Meet Wagering at Churchill Downs

Jun 30, 2024 Darren Rogers

More dollars were wagered than ever before during this year’s 150th Spring Meet at Churchill Downs Racetrack.

The legendary Louisville racetrack’s high-quality racing product with super-charged purses – fueled by the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund through historical horse racing – has appealed to bettors and horsemen around the world.

A total of $708.3 million was wagered during the action-packed 43-day stand that concluded Sunday. That broke the 2022 Spring Meet record of $614.8 million by a lofty $93.5 million. For some perspective, Spring Meet betting totaled $368.8 million 10 years ago in 2014.

All sources handle during the wildly successful six-day Derby Week (April 27-May 4) rose to $446.6 million – including an unprecedented $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 Mike Anderson, President of Churchill Downs Racetrack. “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 $58.0 million was paid in purses during the nine-week Spring Meet, which averaged $1.4 million daily. The average purse per race was $139,000.

Churchill Downs lured 3,432 starters for its 418 races for a healthy average of 8.2 horses per race.

Tyler Gaffalione and Jose Ortiz shared leading rider honors with 45 wins apiece. For Gaffalione, it was his 12th Churchill Downs title as leading jockey. It was the first local championship for Ortiz, who began riding in Kentucky this spring.

Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen collected his 28th record-extending local training title with 33 wins. Juddmonte was the leading owner for a third time with 10 trips to the winner’s circle.

Racing on the thriving Kentucky circuit will shift to Ellis Park Racing & Gaming on 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.