(Warrenton, VA—-8/11/15) —- Almost $6 million was wagered on horse races in July via the three advance deposit wagering (ADW) companies authorized to take wagers in Virginia — TVG, Twin Spires, and Xpress Bet. The July handle figures represent the third best month of 2015 for each of the three.

TVG led the way with a robust $2,961,203 in wagers, which out handled June’s total by over $40,000. June of course featured the Belmont Stakes, when American Pharoah became thoroughbred racing’s first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978. The best month for TVG, along with the other two, was in May when both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness were held. The ADW leader handled $3,901,624 million in bets in May and $3,025,252 in April, when many of the key Derby prep stakes races were contested.

Twin Spires was runner-up in wagering, handling $2,053,421 for July, which followed respective solid May and June totals of $3,684,857 and $2,501,594. Xpress Bet was a distant third, accepting $961,483 in July wagers. Their May and June betting numbers were $1,570,445 and $1,119,127.

For the year, total handle figures by ADW outlet mimic July’s stats as far as top handle producers are concerned. Combined, handle is down less than 9% when compared to the same time frame in 2014 when EZ Horseplay, a division of Colonial Downs, was the leader in the ADW mix. That entity handled over $20,000,000 dollars in the first seven months last year, highest of the four by far.

Since EZ Horseplay went out of business in early April of this year, the remaining ADW’s have seen an upswing in business as a result. TVG is up almost 26% so far with a $19,796,612 total, $4 million ahead of 2014. Twin Spires is up almost 19% at $15,815,304 while Xpress Bet is up 2% at $7,089,986.

“When you consider the challenges the Virginia horse racing industry has encountered this year, the ADW figures are very respectable,” VAHBPA Executive Director, Frank Petremalo said. “We hope this recent momentum continues into August since the Saratoga and Del Mar meets are in full swing. We may also see two appearances by American Pharoah in the same month if his owner decides to race him in the Travers Stakes on August 29th.”

The Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Select sale kicks off tomorrow night. Take a look at the high-quality Virginia-bred and Virginia-owned yearlings on offer at the sales grounds.

Hip 37, Louisa Lenehan’s Harlan’s Holiday colt out of Artisanal, bred in Kentucky and consigned by James Herbener. Purchased by Starlight Racing for $250,000.

Hip 64, Bill Backer’s Exchange Rate colt out of Dinah Lee, consigned by Chilly Bleak Farm. Purchased by Ken McPeek, agt. for $110,000.

Hip 81, Audley Farm’s Bodemeister (himself bred by Audley) colt out of Exceptionally. A half brother to Hooligan, winner of last year’s Jamestown Stakes. Purchased by J. J. Crupi for $235,000.

Hip 147, Lazy Lane’s Gemologist colt out of Penny Marie, consigned by Warrendale Sales. Purchased by Hot Scot Racing for $80,000.

Hip 154, Audley Farm’s Union Rags colt out of Pink Champagne, consigned by Brookdale. Purchased by Michelle Crawford for $160,000.

Hip 52, Tale of the Cat out of Chemise, bred by Ned Moore, Jill Gordon Moore and John Behrendt. Chemise has 13 Foals of racing age, all winners, including a half by Gio Ponti that just broke its maiden in its first start at Woodbine. Purchased by Mathew Schera for $175,000.