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    Derby Decline

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    Sep 07, 2020 | 07:23 pm
    UPDATED Sep 08, 2020 | 03:55 pm
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    Alton Strupp/Courier Journal via Imagn

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    Kentucky Derby betting declined 52% compared to 2019 as Authentic secured an upset victory on Saturday. Churchill Downs reported $79.4 million was bet this weekend, down from the record $165.5 million bet last year.

    There were no fans present — a stark contrast to the more than 150,000 people in attendance last year — which meant the track missed the average of $22.5 million wagered in-person on Derby day. Also not included were Nevada sportsbooks, which didn’t take part in the Churchill Downs pool over an ongoing data fees dispute with the track.

    NBC Sports’ broadcast of the 2020 Kentucky Derby on Saturday averaged 8.4 million viewers, a 49% drop from the 16.3 million viewers who watched the 2019 edition aired in its traditional May spot. That is the smallest audience for the race on record — the previous low was 9.1 million viewers in 2000.

    Last Five Years of Kentucky Derby Betting Totals:

    2020: $79.4 million

    2019: $165.5 million

    2018: $149.9 million

    2017: $139.2 million

    2016: $124.7 million

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