Wagering from all sources during Kentucky Derby Day reach USD 209.2M

Wagering from all sources on the Kentucky Derby race increased 12 percent to $139.2 million, up from 2016’s USD 124.7M and a 1 percent increase over the previous record set in 2015 of USD 137.9M.

Elsewhere, TwinSpries, the online and mobile betting platform and a partner of the Kentucky Derby and the Breeders’ Cup, recorded USD 32.8M in handle on the Churchill Downs races for the Kentucky Derby Day program, an increase of 22 percent over the prior year. 

In addition to that, the handle from all sources from April 29, the opening night of the track's spring racing season, through the Derby on Saturday was another record USD 285.1M, a 7 percent increase over the previous record set in 2016.

In a statement Saturday evening, Kevin Flanery, president of Churchill Downs Racetrack, said that company was pleased to "introduce our latest round of renovations, and our investments in the facility continue to pay off as we strive to improve the guest experience every year."

The modernization, much of which was cosmetic, encompassed most of the 95,000-square-foot Clubhouse area.  Among the upgrades were doubling the number of restrooms, increasing the number of wagering stations and significantly increasing the concession stands. The changes were designed to improve patron circulation and reduce waits in lines.