North American Foal Crop Projected to Continue Decline
Declining foal crops have contributed to reduced racing dates and smaller fields.
The Jockey Club announced Sept. 9 that it is projecting a North American registered Thoroughbred foal crop of 18,500 in 2023, representing 200 fewer foals than the 2022 foal crop estimate of 18,700.
The foal crop projection is computed by using Reports of Mares Bred received to date for the 2022 breeding season. RMBs are to be filed by August 1 of each breeding season.
Additional foal crop information is available in The Jockey Club's online fact book and in the online state fact books.
North American foal crops peaked in the 1980s when more than 50,000 foals were born over three consecutive years from 1985-87. They have regularly declined oer the years, dipping below 40,000 beginning in 1992, below 30,000 in 2010, and falling under 20,000 beginning in 2021.
Declining foal crops have contributed to less racing and smaller fields. Handle typically drops with reduced field size, with bettors not as attracted to shorter odds on wagering prospects.