LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Bettors showed up for the 150th Spring Meet at Churchill Downs, which broke a record for wagering.
A total of $708.3 million was wagered during the 43-day meet, which concluded Sunday, June 30, the racetrack said. This broke the previous record by $93.5 million, when bettors wagered $614.8 million during the 2022 Spring Meet.
During the six-day Derby Week (April 27-May 4), betting totaled $446.6 million, smashing last year’s record of $412 million. That included $320.5 million on Derby Day, Saturday, May 4.
Wagering increases continued during the remainder of the Spring Meet (May 9-June 30) with a handle of $261.7 million, marking a $38.7 million and 17.4% increase from the previous post-Derby mark of $223 million during the 2022 Spring Meet.
Churchill Downs added the 12-race Stephen Foster Day Saturday, June 29 attracted the most wagers in the event’s 43-year history, with betting totaling $18.8 million, marking a $4.9 million increase from the last time it was held at the track in 2022. This milestone marked the second-largest non-Derby Week or Breeders’ Cup wagering day in the track’s history.
The iconic twin spires at Churchill Downs seen from the infield prior to the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby May 4, 2024. (Spectrum News 1/Tim Meredith)
“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.”
The racetrack said a record-$58 million was paid in purses during the meet, averaging $1.4 million daily and an average purse per race of $139,000.
With 3,432 starters for the track’s 418 races, Tyler Gaffalione and Joey Ortiz shared leading rider honors, with each tallying 45 wins. It was Gaffalione’s 12th Churchill Downs title as leading jockey while it marked Ortiz’s first local championship, who began riding in Kentucky this spring.
Racing in the commonwealth shifts to Ellis Park Racing & Gaming, which will begin its summer meet Thursday, July 4. Live action returns to Churchill Downs Thursday, Sept. 12 for the 14-day September Meet.