Total wagering on harness racing in the United States during May was up more than 10 per cent despite a decrease of 166 races compared to May 2019, two years ago.

The comparison to 2019 is due to the COVID-19 pandemic that limited races to only 154 in May 2020.

Through the first five months of this year, total handle on U.S. races is up $78,755,596 (11.96 per cent) compared to 2019. This year, wagering through May 31 was $737,177,866 versus the $658,422,270 bet through the end of May in 2019.

The increase in wagering to $186,002,994 this May was an increase of $17,337,784 (10.28 percent) from the $168,665,210 bet in May 2019.

The 3,355 races in May 2021 represented a 4.71 per cent decrease compared to the 3,521 races in 2019.

The 12,280 races conducted so far this year are 657 fewer than the 12,937 races in 2019, representing a 5.08 per cent downturn.

To see the monthly breakdown of wagering and races for 2021 and the comparisons with 2020 and 2019, click here.

(USTA)