Horse Racing is an ancient combination of money and sport. Although some do not have to gamble to enjoy the races, often patrons visit the races solely for the thrill of gambling.

Over the years the number of races in both Canada and the United States have dropped, however purse size has grown. In 1989 there were 74, 071 races started in the USA and the annual total of american purses was $706, 900, 000. In 2011 there were 45, 418 starts with a annual purse total of $1,061,200, 000. Similarly in Canada there were 7, 329 starts and an annual purse of $65, 300, 000 and in 2011 4, 376 starts and a total of $117,100,000.

Figure 1. Number of Races. Graph. Kentucky: The Jockey Club, 2011.

Figure 2. Gross Purses. Graph. Kentucky: The Jockey Club, 2011.

Although the industry is much larger in the United States, Canadian horse racers win more money per race due to the smaller amount of starters.

Kentucky’s foals are the most successful in races across the United States and Canada, followed by Florida, California and then Ontario.

Figure 3. Racing Statistics by Foaling Area (U.S. and Canada). Chart. Kentucky: The Jockey Club, 2011.