Kentucky Derby Sees Record, Betting, TV NumbersFirst Three-Way Photo Finish Since 1947 |
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The “fastest two minutes in sports” played out on Saturday with the biggest betting numbers in history for the Kentucky Derby. The race ended in a three-way photo finish with record numbers of bettors plunking down some cash on the action.
In the end, Mystik Dan came on top after facing odds of 18 to 1. At Churchill Downs, the track saw a record $320.5 million bet on the race on Derby Day, topping last year’s previous record of $288.7 million.
“The Kentucky Derby is a testament to the enduring spirit of sportsmanship, unity and the power of tradition,” Churchill Downs Inc. CEO Bill Carstanjen said. “As we reflect on 150 years of our storied past, we remain committed to innovating new experiences for Derby fans.”
Inside The Numbers
With more states offering legalized sports betting than ever, that landscape has made wagering on the Derby more popular. For the entire week of the race, Churchill reported $446 million bet on from all sources, also topping last year’s record of $412 million.
Churchill’s official online betting operator, TwinSpires, also reported a new record handle of $60.9 million, beating last year’s record of $48.9 million.
Beyond the betting numbers, this year’s Derby also scored well with television viewers, producing the highest ratings since 1989. The amount bet on the race no doubt had something to do with that. The race was seen by 16.7 million viewers, a 13% increase from last year.
Viewership peaked at 20.1 million as the race officially got underway and was finished, from 7 to 7:15 pm (EDT). Mystik Dan, Sierra Leone, and Forever Young all crossing the finish line together became the race’s first three-horse photo finish since 1947.
Also on Saturday, Churchill and NBC announced an extension of the network’s contract to carry the race, now running through 2032.
The Derby numbers come as sports betting continues to rise across the country. This year’s Super Bowl also saw record numbers as the Kansas City Chiefs won the team’s second-straight title and third in the last five years.
*Photo by Kentucky Derby
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