The United States Trotting Association has announced that the total wagering on harness racing at U.S. tracks in 2014 was just shy of $1.5 billion, a 6.67 per cent decrease from 2013.

However, the average amount wagered per race came in at $39,306, a 2.18 per cent increase from the previous year when the total was $38,469.

Purses paid totalled $408,135,386, a 3.26 per cent decrease over 2013, when that total was $421,890,322. Race days totalled 3,695, a 4.77 per cent decrease, or 185 fewer days than the 3,880 days contested in 2013.

Total handle on U.S. harness racing in 2014 was $1,497,004,583, a decrease of $107,835,413 (6.67 per cent) from the $1,604,839,996 wagered in 2013.

Following are the comparative economic indicators for U.S. harness racing from 2014 and 2013.

ECONOMIC INDICATORS ON U.S. HARNESS RACES

(Category – 2014 – 2013 – % Change)

Total Wagered – $1,497,004,583 – $1,604,839,996 – -6.67%

Per-Race Average – $39,306 – $38,469 – +2.18%

Purses – $408,135,386 – $421,890,322 – -3.26%

Race Days – 3,695 – 3,880 – -4.77%

Please note: Includes U.S. and Canadian common and separate pool wagers on races contested in the U.S. (data source: United Tote).

(USTA)