Kentucky Derby sets betting handle record, up 15% from 2021

A record $179 million was wagered in the pari-mutuel pool for Saturday’s Kentucky Derby, according to Churchill Downs.

The betting handle was a 15% increase compared to 2021 and 8% more than the previous record of $166.5 million from 2019, said the track that hosts the Derby.

And, of course, a lot of that money was flushed down the drain after Rich Strike’s miraculous come-from-behind finish to win the race. Rich Strike, at 80-1 odds, dashed past Epicenter and Zandon, two of the race’s favorites, to accomplish the second-largest upset in the Kentucky Derby’s 148-year history.

Only $501,135 of the $179 million wagered was placed on Rich Strike, according to Churchill Downs. No other horse had less money placed on him to win than Rich Strike.

Overall, the entire Kentucky Derby Day program totaled $273.8 million, also a record and a stark increase versus last year.