Columbus, OH – Winter storms and the damage they caused to track conditions along the east coast and across the Midwest during the first quarter of 2026 from Jan. 1 through March 31 resulted in 179 fewer wagering races than during the same period last year.
There were only 5,312 (-3.26%) wagering races this year compared to 5,491 in 2025 and eight fewer race days with 428 in 2026 compared to 436 in 2025.
Those cancellations and conditions had a negative impact on harness racing’s economic indicators in the first quarter.
While total wagering declined by a little more than 6%, purses in the first three months of 2026 were about the same as a year ago.
Total wagering through March 31, 2026 was $283,977,219 vs. $302,723,849 in 2025, a 6.19% decrease of $18,746,630.
Thoroughbred racing reported a $115 million drop of 7.11% in their handle during the same first quarter timeframe.
A total of $60,151,175 was distributed in purses, $321,325 (-0.53%) less than the $60,472,500 last year.
Per Race Average and Per Betting Interest numbers were down slightly with decreases of 3.03% and 2.22%, respectively.
ECONOMIC INDICATORS ON U.S. RACES – Jan. 1 through March 31, 2026
2026 vs 2025
| 2026 | 2025 | % Change | |
| Total Wagered | $283,977,219 | $302,723,849 | – 6.19% |
| Per Race avg. | $53,460 | $55,131 | – 3.03% |
| Per Betting Interest | $6,660 | $6,811 | – 2.22% |
| Purses | $60,151,175 | $60,472,500 | – 0.53% |
| Race Days | 428 | 436 | – 1.83% |
Please note: The information above includes U.S. and Canadian common and separate pool wagers on races contested in the U.S.