Huge Drop For U.S. Handle

According to numbers released by Equibase on Monday, May 4, wagering on horse races in the United States declined in April by more than $100 million compared with the same month in 2008

. The drop was more than 10.1 per cent.

The Daily Racing Form states that, according to Equibase's figures, handle on races held in the United States in April was $1,027,885,851, down $115 million from $1,143,003,738 last April.

Race days in April were down slightly, 1.34 per cent, from 448 last year to 442 this year. Race dates for the year to date are down 0.6 per cent, from 1,587 to 1,596.

Click here to view a copy of the Daily Racing Form article in its entirety.

(With files from the Daily Racing Form)