Churchill Downs Inc. sees most profitable Kentucky Derby week ever

The 140th Kentucky Derby won by California Chrome proved to be a success by most attendance and wagering results. While television ratings dropped slightly and wagering for the week fell, Churchill was able to more than offset any declines thanks in part to new premium seating areas.

The Louisville-based casino and racing company announced preliminary estimates of its financial results from Derby week on Saturday, shortly after the race. The adjusted earnings -- before taxes and other factors -- increased by between $7.5 million to $9.5 million over the prior year's record.

If the higher end of those estimates holds, Churchill will have increased its Derby week profits by more than $30 million over the last seven years.

ATTENDANCE: The 164,906 fans on Derby Day is the second-highest attendance in history behind 2012. The new Grandstand Terrace and Rooftop Garden added 2,400 seats. Attendance for the week was up 5 percent to 348,530.

WAGERING: All-sources wagering on Derby Day card increased 1 percent to $186.6 million, which the company said equaled a record. All-sources betting on the Derby race declined 1 percent to $129.2 million. On-track wagering for Derby Day increased 11 percent to $23.4 million, while the on-track handle for the race increased 4 percent to $11.9 million.

The gains, however, could not offset wagering losses earlier in Derby week as all-sources handle for the first six days of racing fell 2 percent to $253.8 million. Churchill raised its takeout, prompting some players to organize a boycott, and the first few days were without wagering from Nevada casinos because of a contract dispute.

ONLINE: Churchill's account wagering platform TwinSpires.com saw record wagering on both Derby Day and the Derby race. The $21.5 million was up 6 percent, while the Derby race's handle of 11.3 million jumped 12 percent.

TELEVISION: Overnight viewership fell 2.9 percent, according to Nielsen Co. statistics released by NBC Sports. The 10.1 overnight rating tied for the fourth best number since NBC took over Derby coverage in 2001. The network also said it was 12 percent from the last time -- 2012's 9.0 rating -- that the race went head-to-head with the NBA playoffs.