Kill Racing Not Horses

"'Already we are seeing firsthand the negative impacts on the Thoroughbred racing industry. Through June, U.S. pari-mutuel handle is down $44,980,309 (-4.7%) from the corresponding period in 2025.'"
U.S. Starts down 5.3% per https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/292956/purses-edge-up-despite-continued-handle-decline

https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/293274/ntra-calls-for-restoring-full-deduction-on-winnings

NTRA Calls for Restoring Full Deduction on Winnings Citing handle declines this year, the NTRA sent a letter July 17 to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent calling on the Treasury and the IRS to back legislation that would restore the gambling loss provision to the previous level.

Del Mar Racing wagering handle Down 3.4% 2026 Opening Weekend on same # of races & big races in 2025, even with addition of the $300K San Diego Handicap in 2026 -- Saratoga handle 52.6% higher than Del Mar, even with 20% fewer races than 2025. (See Rows 1-2.)

Thankfully not 1 word about , despite the photo chosen for this article. Befitting an industry that is an historical relic, Del Mar Racing being 1 of only 3 tracks left in from 9 in 2024, wagering down 57% since 2003 & at least 51 tracks closed since 2000.

New Del Mar Fairgrounds CEO on Ushering in a New Era The Fairgrounds last CEO was fired abruptly. Becky Bartling hopes to steady the ship and plan for the future.