Kentucky Derby 148 Sets Several Betting Records for Churchill Downs

May 10, 2022 World Sports

Not only did the 2022 Kentucky Derby produce a stunning finish, but it also produced a record betting day, according to information from Churchill Downs Incorporated.

The Louisville-based company announced its flagship track took $273.8 million in bets for Saturday’s 14-race card. That’s a 9% jump from the previous record of $250.9 million set in 2019 – the last year the Derby ran without any COVID-19 restrictions or interruptions.

Nearly two-thirds of the money bet Saturday was on the Derby itself, won by Rich Strike in a tremendous upset. Derby bets made up $179 million of the action. That, too, was a record, breaking the $165.5 million set in 2019.

Last year, $233 million was bet on the Derby Day race card, with $155.4 million of that wagered on the Derby itself.