Total wagering on races held at U.S. racetracks during February shot up 8.4 percent compared to the same month last year, but the average amount of wagering per race declined 3.2 percent due to a large increase in the number of races held when comparing the two months, according to figures released by Equibase on Friday. The contrast between the total wagering figure and the average figure represents the difficulty in comparing results between the two months due to disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Very few racetracks or betting locations are operating under significant restrictions this year, which was not the case in February of last year, a difference that is reflected in the number of races held in each month. Compared to the month of February two years ago – just prior to the pandemic leading to widespread closures of racetracks and off-track betting facilities – total wagering in February of this year was up 1.1 percent, while average wagering per race was up 16.0 percent. :: Want the best bonus in racing? Get a $250 deposit match, $10 free bet, and free Formulator with DRF Bets. Code: WINNING The disruption caused by the pandemic is visible in the significant ups and downs in the figures for total wagering and number of races over the past two years. In February of this year, total betting was $911.12 million on 2,159 races. Last year in February, total wagering was $840.56 million on 1,982 races. Two years ago, total wagering was $901.27 million on 2,477 races. Due to the pandemic, many racetracks shifted their schedules and pared racing dates. Some of those alterations to their historic schedules have remained in place this year, leading to the seesawing of the total race figures over the past two years. Nevertheless, total purses distributed in February of this year was $75.8 million, compared to $62.1 million in February of last year, a 22.1 percent gain. Compared to February two years ago, total purses were down 2.0 percent. Purses at U.S. racetracks are heavily subsidized by casino operations in most states. Average field size continued to slide, with the average race in February of this year having 7.58 horses, compared to 7.72 horses last year. In February of 2020, when racetracks ran far more races than either February of 2021 or 2022, the average field size was 7.82 horses per race.