Racetracks NAICS 711212

Jul 15, 2026 - Harness Racetracks Post Second-Quarter Gains

• The US Trotting Association reported stronger second-quarter results for harness racing, providing a positive signal for US racetracks despite weakness in thoroughbred racing. Total wagering increased 2.4% year over year to $389.5 million during the April-June period, while average wagering per race rose 1.6% and wagering per betting interest increased 2.2%. Purses climbed 1.9% to $123.8 million, and race days increased 2.1%, reflecting steady participation and track activity. Individual racetracks including Oak Grove Racing and The Meadows posted notable handle gains driven by promotional events and strong racing calendars. In contrast, thoroughbred wagering fell 4.7% in June and was down 4.5% year to date, highlighting the relative resilience of the harness racing segment. The results suggest well-promoted harness racetracks are attracting bettors and generating incremental revenue despite broader challenges facing the horse racing industry.
• June's consumer data provide a cautiously improving backdrop for US racetracks, where attendance, wagering, and event spending depend heavily on discretionary consumer income. The University of Michigan's Index of Consumer Sentiment rose 10.5% from May to 49.5 but remained 18.5% below a year earlier. The Current Economic Conditions Index increased 4.1% to 47.7 but was still down 26.4% year over year, suggesting many consumers remain financially cautious. The Index of Consumer Expectations climbed 15.0% to 50.7 as concerns about the Iran conflict eased and confidence in future business conditions improved. Separately, the Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index edged up to 91.2 as expectations improved, though perceptions of the labor market weakened and high prices remained a concern. Together, the data suggest racetracks could benefit from gradually improving consumer confidence, but inflation and lingering financial pressures may continue to restrain spending on admissions, concessions, and wagering.

• 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.
• 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.