Like any other sport, the popularity of horse racing comes from the people watching it. Millions of fans pack racetracks worldwide to cheer on their favorite horses, jockeys, and trainers. Some fans are betting heavily, while others simply enjoy the thrill of competition.
For more than two centuries, horse racing has been a big sport in many countries worldwide. It’s a great spectacle to witness horses thundering down the track, heart-stopping finishes, and triumphs by narrow margins. But how popular is it?
If you’ve ever been to the track, you know these events have a special atmosphere. Knowing its history and the numbers behind it will even add to the excitement. So here is a brief overview of the global popularity of horse racing.
The History of Horse Racing
Since the advent of the internet, horse racing has significantly boosted in popularity. Millions worldwide can now bet on races online and watch them live from their homes. You can now easily see a list of races tomorrow or even races taking place in different countries. But how did it start and become popular?
If you’re one of the many who wonder how horse racing became so popular, it has a long and storied history. The earliest documented horse race was held in 1174 during the reign of King Henry II of England. It was said to be held at Smithfield in the City of London.
Since that time, horse racing has gained popularity as a global sport. It was brought to North America by British colonists in 1665, and today it ranks among the most popular betting sports. In Europe, it’s a vital spectator sport with dedicated fan bases in the United Kingdom, France, and Germany.
Horse Racing’s Popularity Over the Years
When compared to other sports, horse racing is still a significant player. According to the latest statistics, there are over 49,015 race meetings from 2017-2021 in the UK alone, with millions attending these events annually. It makes it one of the most attended equestrian sports in the world.
You might be surprised at how big of an audience horse racing attracts. It’s estimated that 1.45 billion people worldwide watched or bet on horse racing in 2020. That’s a massive increase from 365 million viewers and betters at the same point in 2019.
Some of the great races in the world, such as the Kentucky Derby and the Grand National, are broadcast to millions of viewers worldwide each year. These events alone draw some of the biggest crowds in sports history. Other well-known races include:
-Preakness Stakes
-Melbourne Cup
-Breeder’s Cup
-Dubai World Cup
-Japan Cup
-Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe
With various types of races worldwide, horse racing continues to thrive and remain popular. Flat racing and thoroughbreds are the most popular, but there are also harness racing and quarter horses.
In flat racing, horses compete against one another, and the first horse to cross the finish line wins. This type of racing is held on courses of varying distances, allowing for a wide range of races. Thoroughbreds are the most popular breed used in flat racing and often require special training.
Harness racing involves horses pulling two-wheeled carts at a gallop. This type of racing requires the horse to have special training, as well as a specific set of skills. Whether it’s a trot or a pace, harness racing can be exciting to watch. Quarter horses are the least popular type of horse used in racing. These horses specialize in short-distance races and usually require less training than other breeds.
How Much Can You Win in Horse Race Betting?
Since thousands of races occur each year around the world, there is plenty of opportunity for betting and winning on horse racing. While not everyone can be a winner in horse racing, the potential returns make it worth trying this popular sport.
Today’s horse racing betting has been taken to a whole new level. The amount of money wagered on races in 53 countries is estimated to be more than $100 billion annually. That’s a lot of money and potential winnings.
Some of the world’s most profitable returns can be found in horse racing betting. For every $1 wagered, you might win up to $200, according to estimates. These are obviously extreme situations, and it’s more common to win a few hundred dollars per race.
And it’s easy to understand why people are driven to betting on horse races. There are various types of bets that you can place. The most common ones are win, place, show, exacta, trifecta, and superfecta.
Final Thoughts
Horse racing is a well-known sport with a long and fascinating history. From the adrenaline-filled races to the big sums of money you can win, it’s easy to see why people are drawn to this thrilling sport. Whether you are an experienced punter or just starting out, there is definitely lots of opportunity for betting and winning on horse racing.
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