Racetracks NAICS 711212

May 18, 2026 - Racetracks See Fewer Equine Fatalities

• The US racetracks industry reported improved safety metrics in early 2026, with racing-related equine fatalities falling to 0.95 per 1,000 starts, meaning 99.91% of starts occurred without a fatality, according to the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA). Training-related fatalities were reported at 0.67 per 1,000 workouts, while HISA also highlighted progress from its Equine Recovery Foundation, which helped save several injured horses that otherwise may have been euthanized. The report suggests racetracks are operating under increasing safety oversight and data monitoring, including expanded veterinary reporting requirements and anti-doping enforcement. Crop rule violations also declined 32% year over year, indicating greater compliance with racing conduct standards. For racetrack operators, continued improvements in horse safety and welfare may help strengthen public perception of Thoroughbred racing at a time when the industry faces ongoing scrutiny from regulators, animal welfare advocates, and consumers.
• Consumer caution and weaker discretionary spending trends are creating a more challenging operating environment for the US racetracks industry in 2026, per recent consumer indexes. The University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment Index fell to 48.2 in May, near historic lows, reflecting concerns about inflation, gasoline prices, and household finances. Meanwhile, the Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index improved only modestly to 92.8 in April, indicating consumers remain uncertain about future economic conditions. For racetracks, weaker consumer sentiment could reduce spending on discretionary entertainment, including live racing attendance, concessions, hospitality, and wagering activity. Higher fuel costs may also discourage regional travel to racing venues during the peak summer season. However, larger racetracks with diversified entertainment offerings, sports betting partnerships, or major event schedules may be better positioned to maintain traffic despite softer consumer confidence.

• Advances in data technology and imaging could improve safety and performance in the US racetrack industry, according to experts at a recent panel reported by the American Veterinary Medical Association. At the 2025 American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) conference, attended by more than 4,800 participants, experts discussed how wearable sensors and advanced imaging could help detect injuries earlier in racehorses. A JAVMA study analyzing stride data from 11,834 Thoroughbreds across 28,481 races (July 2021–May 2024) found that horses with the highest risk score were 44.6 times more likely to suffer a fatal musculoskeletal injury than those with the lowest score. Researchers also noted that 118 horses, just 0.4% of starts, accounted for 4.2% of fatal injuries, highlighting the potential to identify high-risk horses earlier. For racetracks, wider use of sensors, AI, and imaging technologies could improve equine safety oversight and support data-driven decisions by trainers, veterinarians, and regulators.
• US racetracks ended 2025 under continued financial pressure as wagering on Thoroughbred racing fell 2.1% year over year to just over $11 billion, marking the fourth consecutive annual decline, according to Equibase data reported in The Paulick Report. December handle dropped a sharper 7.3%, reflecting fewer race days and races rather than weaker per-event performance. In fact, wagering and purses per race day rose modestly, indicating that remaining dates are carrying more economic weight. For operators, the results mask a deeper structural challenge: total races have fallen 45% since 2003, while wagering is down 27% over the same period. Purses now equal 11.6% of handle, up from 7.2% in 2000, underscoring racetracks’ growing reliance on alternative revenues such as gaming subsidies. Without new growth drivers, the industry risks handle falling below $11 billion in 2026, intensifying consolidation and financial strain for US racetracks.