Bucking economic trends in the Thoroughbred industry, purses and handle for American Quarter Horse racing rose during the month of September.

“All things considered, this is excellent news, especially considering what’s happening to the Thoroughbred industry,” said Trey Buck, AQHA executive director of racing. “I’m particularly encouraged by the fact that the number of starters is up over last year.”

Purses rose 2.4 percent, from $12,295,182 to $12,585,406, over the same period last year, while year-to-date purses have also seen growth, up seven-tenths of a percent over last year, according to statistics released by the American Quarter Horse Association.

In comparison, purses in Thoroughbred racing, according to Equibase, have dropped more than 6 percent in September and more than 7 percent over the past year.

American Quarter Horse racing handle rose 3.3 percent in September, as compared to the same period last year, from $25,102,630 to $25,939,282. The year-to-date figures for handle show numbers down 3 percent from $258,174,469 to $250,427,396.

Thoroughbred racing saw handle drop eight-tenths of a percent in September, while the sport’s yearly handle has dropped more than 10 percent.

The average Quarter racing purse per race has risen 2.9 percent to $12,990. In addition, the number of Quarter Horse starters to date has risen eighth-tenths of a percent to 16,051.