This year's Kentucky Derby was the first to run during Governor Andy Beshear's administration without any COVID concerns. The pandemic officially ended last year, one week after the Derby. It also marked the first year expanded gaming was legal in the state during the race.
“The Kentucky Derby this year was incredible,” Beshear stated. “Viewership was up. We had a huge attendance at the track. We had an amazing race just a great way to show off Kentucky. We had a big economic development group (and) I believe we will see more jobs come out of that. So a really good Derby for the Commonwealth,” Beshear said.
Churchill Downs reported a new record of $320.5M in wagering on Derby Day from all sources, topping last year's record of 288.7M. All-sources handle for Derby week rose to a new record of 446.6M that's 34.6M over last year's record wagering.
