Total wagering on U.S. Thoroughbred races in May declined slightly compared to the same month last year, according to figures released by Equibase on Monday, but a larger decline in the number of races in the month boosted the average wagering per race by 5.7 percent.
Although total wagering fell 1.54 percent to $1.39 billion, the average wagering per race in May jumped from $435,350 last year to $460,404. The number of races held in May this year dropped 6.9 percent, from 3,249 in May of last year to 3,025 this year.
May of this year included eight weekend dates, compared to nine weekend dates last year. During the month, two races of the Triple Crown were held, the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness stakes.
