Total wagering increased in the U.S. in March, while purses, race days and starts were down slightly from their 2015 levels, according to economic indicators released Tuesday by Equibase.
Wagering in the U.S. was up 0.85% in 2016 as compared with the same month last year. Year-to-date figures were also up, 3.07%
Purses for March 2016 showed a decline, down 4.90% as compared with 2015, while year-to-date they were also down, 2.60%.
The number of race days decreased this year, down 9.04%, compared to March 2015. Year-to-date, race days dropped 7.43%.
The number of races in the U.S. also declined, down 8.47%; year-to-date figures showed a decline of 5.82%.
Lastly, the number of starts in March 2016 showed a decline, down 6.72%; year-to-date figures were also down, 4.05%.
Charts Courtesy Equibase
March 2016 vs. March 2015
Indicator
March 2016
March 2015
% Change
Wagering on U.S. Races*
$854,900,215
$847,700,697
+0.85%
U.S. Purses
$72,038,600
$75,750,051
-4.90%
U.S. Race Days
302
332
-9.04%
U.S. Races
2,603
2,844
-8.47%
U.S. Starts
20,520
21,998
-6.72%
YTD 2016 vs. YTD 2015
Indicator
YTD 2016
YTD 2015
% Change
Wagering on U.S. Races*
$2,498,295,980
$2,423,926,336
+3.07%
U.S. Purses
$197,361,190
$202,632,295
-2.60%
U.S. Race Days
847
915
-7.43%
U.S. Races
7,282
7,732
-5.82%
U.S. Starts
59,628
62,142
-4.05%
* Includes worldwide commingled wagering on U.S. races.
Hip #40, a Texas-bred filly by Too Much Bling, sold for $95,000 to top the sale. (Photo by Mary Cage)
Monday’s Texas 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale, the first conducted by the Texas Thoroughbred Association and Lone Star Park without Fasig-Tipton as a partner, posted similar results to last year’s auction with an increase in average. Buybacks improved significantly from 33.3% last year to 19.7% this year.
Total sales for this auction came in at $981,300 with 53 of 66 head sold for an average of $18,515 and median of $12,000.
Last year’s sale, run by Fasig-Tipton, saw 66 head sell for $1,161,900 from 99 offered. The average for that sale was $17,605 with a median of $13,000.
Two horses at this year’s sale eclipsed the $75,000 top price from last year. The high seller was hip #40, a Texas-bred filly by Too Much Bling who worked the fastest time of :10 1/5 in Saturday’s under tack show. Consigned by Asmussen Horse Center, agent, the filly sold for $95,000 to Danny Keene. She is out of the Action this Day mare Soft Music, whose first two starters are both multiple winners.
The second-highest price was also a filly, as hip #24, a Kentucky-bred by Henny Hughes, went for $80,000 to Hebert Bloodstock, agent, from the consignment of Oak Haven Farm, agent. She is out of the stakes-winning Saratoga Six mare Playcaller, who has produced Grade 1 winner Diplomat Lady and Grade 2 winner Dream Play.
“Especially considering we got a bit of a late start in putting this sale together, we could not be more pleased with the results and the increase in average over last year,” said Mary Ruyle, executive director of the Texas Thoroughbred Association. “With a Texas-bred topping the sale and a very low buyback rate, I think that proves there is still strength in the industry here.”
The TTA also announced that it will hold a yearling auction in late August at Lone Star. Like the 2-year-old sale, the yearling sale will take the place of the auction formerly operated in partnership with Fasig-Tipton.
“The TTA is committed to advancing the Texas racing and breeding industry, and part of that commitment includes giving horsemen a venue to buy and sell horses in this state,” said Ruyle. “In advance of this decision, we found significant interest from Texas breeders with yearlings to consign, and with the central location and quality facility at Lone Star we also expect to attract quality consignments from around the region. We were lucky to have Tim Boyce on board to manage this sale for us, and he will do the same for the yearling sale.”
More information about consignments and the sale date will be posted shortly. The TTA is also creating a website dedicated to its sales.
Any questions or need more info call
Roger A. Heitzmann III, Secretary/Treasurer
Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association 504-947-4676, 800-772-1195
Today’s Texas 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale at Lone Star Park will be webcast live beginning at 12 noon central. To view the live video, CLICK HERE. For all other sale information, including catalog pages and under tack show videos, CLICK HERE.
A Texas-bred filly by Too Much Bling worked an eighth-mile in :10 1/5 on Saturday to post the fastest time at the distance during the under tack show for the Texas 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale at Lone Star Park. The sale, which was previously managed by Fasig-Tipton in partnership with the Texas Thoroughbred Association and Lone Star Park, is now being conducted jointly by the TTA and the track. The sale is set for Monday at 12 noon Central at the Texas Thoroughbred Sale Pavilion on the grounds of Lone Star. For a complete list of times, click here.
Asmussen Horse Center, agent, consigned the above mentioned fastest horse at an eighth-mile. The gray or roan filly is out of the Action This Day mare Soft Music, who has produced two multiple winners from as many starters.
From two horses working a quarter-mile, a Kentucky-bred filly from the first crop of Gemologist posted the fastest clocking of :22 3/5. She is consigned by Brody Veal, agent, and is a half sister to stakes winner Uncle Brennie.
“We were very pleased with the turnout at Lone Star Park and anticipate a good turnout for the sale on Tuesday,” said Mary Ruyle, executive director of the Texas Thoroughbred Association. “We appreciate all the support from the consignors and the interest we have seen already from buyers.”
Videos from Saturday’s Texas 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale under tack show are now available online by clicking here. The auction is set for Monday at 12 noon and will be live streamed on the TTA website.
You must be logged in to post a comment.