Breeders’ Cup timing lifts US October wagering 10.4 per cent

Wagering on US races climbed 10.41 per cent to US$958.7 million in October, according to Equibase’s monthly economic indicators, with the lift driven largely by the Breeders’ Cup calendar .

The 2026 meeting at Keeneland ran on October 30 and 31, whereas last year’s Del Mar edition was split across October 31 and November 1.

“Most of the increase can be attributed to how the dates for the Breeders’ Cup World Championships fell, with both days being held in October this year versus just one last year,” Equibase said, adding that October 31 was also the month’s fifth Saturday, giving it an extra weekend day over 2025.

Available prize money rose 28.21 per cent to US$148.1 million and paid prize money 28.09 per cent to US$140.2 million, even as race days fell from 304 to 298, starts dropped 3.46 per cent and average field size slipped from 7.69 to 7.54. Average wagering per race day rose 12.64 per cent to US$3.22 million.

The Breeders’ Cup organiser said handle on the 14 championship races was US$146.4 million, down 1.2 per cent, while common-pool handle across both full cards was US$167.9 million, against US$180.0 million at Del Mar.

Across January to October, wagering on US races remains 2.71 per cent behind last year at US$9.29 billion, while available and paid prize money are each up about 3 per cent.