When talking about numbers in this context, that does not refer to odds on horses for a race. What that means is racing produces a lot of good for a lot of horses and people, and it is far reaching.

The following are some statistics about how California racing helps many. As you read these figures, take some time to study and analyze them. Racing is much more than betting on which horse is going to win. It is an industry that provides care to both horses and people from all walks of life.

Charity:

Several parties in California racing are involved in charitable causes for decades. According to the Business and Professions Code section 19556 (b), a minimum of 60 percent of handle must be distributed by the racing association operating the meet to charitable organizations in the racing industry.

According to the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) annual report for 2018, more than $500,000 was donated to charity. No less than six racing associations were involved:

The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, the Los Alamitos Quarter Horse Racing Association, the Los Alamitos Racing Association, the Los Angeles Turf Club II, the Pacific Racing Association, and Watch and Wager LLC.

Equine Research:

The University of California, Davis is known for its research of horses. The campus received $1.7 million during the 2017-18 fiscal year for its continued study of horses, and this came from a mandated deduction.

Purse Money:

The purse money from races in California is divided up in multiple ways. First, it is distributed between the following parties: jockeys, owners, and trainers. That money also goes to the backstretch workers who take care of the horses. During the 2017-18 fiscal year, more than $142 million came from purses. This is important because purse money is how trainers, their staff, and the jockeys and their agents are paid. If they don't get that money, they will have a difficult time paying their bills and providing for their families. In addition, some of the purse money (amount unknown) gets sent to various entities on behalf of additional horsemen and Thoroughbred owners.

Retirement and Welfare of Horsemen and Backstretch Workers:

California racing's horsemen and backstretch workers receive receive welfare benefits, and the backstretch personnel have a pension plan, too. Both the plan and benefits get money from the Advance Deposit Wagering (ADW) Retirement and Welfare Plans, which received in excess of $3.1 million during the 2017-18 fiscal year. This helps an untold number of people involved in the racing industry in regards to their present and future.

The State of California's General Fund:

Up in Northern California, a series of race meetings are held at local fairs during the summer and fall seasons. The money from uncashed tickets at each of the fairs is sent to California's general fund. The amount of this for the 2017-18 fiscal year is unknown.

Track Commissions:

Track commissions are responsible for paying labor costs for pari-mutuel clerks, which is a significant amount. In addition, mortages and rent are paid for through track commissions, and the most recent total for track commissions came out to be $122 million.

Uncashed Tickets:

There are times that winning tickets purchased by horseplayers are uncashed for some reason. This is actually not uncommon, and the amount of uncashed tickets adds up to a substantial amount of money.

Where does that money go? It is divided evenly in the following ways:

Fifty percent goes to a welfare fund created by horsemen that contract with the organization with respect to the conduct of the racing meet for the benefit of the horsemen. The total for the 2017-18 fiscal year was nearly $920,000.

The other fifty percent is split between the racing association and the horsemen. The association's share goes to commissions, while the horsemen's amount goes to purse money. The total received by both sides for the 2017-18 fiscal year approached $1.6 million.

Unclaimed Refunds:

Along with uncashed tickets, refunds to bettors will at times go unclaimed. When that happens, the money goes to the following parties:

-Jockeys that are currently licensed in California

-Jockeys that are formerly licensed in California

-The dependents of the jockeys

The money first goes to the California Jockey Welfare Corporation, and this is designated by the CHRB. The amount of unclaimed refunds for the 2017-18 fiscal year exceeded $720,000.