Wagering on U.S. races rose in September by 2.6 percent, or $20 million, to $794.5 million, according to Equibase.

The amount paid in purses was up 13.77 percent, and the number of race days rose 1.42 percent compared with September 2011.

Year-to-date, wagering is up 2.32 percent, or $192.3 million, to $8.47 billion. Year to date, purses are up 9 percent, and race days are up 1.79 percent.