LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WHAS) - - Beginning Monday Churchill Downs is raising overnight purses by 10 percent thanks to higher than expected wagering during Derby week.
Between Oaks and Derby day Churchill collected nearly $227 million in wagers up nearly 12 percent from last year.
Purses will rise by an average of about $3,400.
Churchill says a declining horse population is also a contributing factor.
The spring meet wraps up July 1.
