Horse racing has been around since the Ancient Greek and Roman times, and quite possibly before that. Its continued popularity is testament to its unique ability to appeal to a wide audience, crossing social divides and age groups.
The sight of the Jockey’s colourful silks and sound of pounding horse hooves as they race down the track is a unique and thrilling experience to behold. No surprise then that horse racing is a global phenomenon, popular the world over.
The list of the most iconic horse races in the world reflect this global popularity:
- Melbourne Cup
- The Grand National
- Kentucky Derby
- Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe
- Breeders’ Cup Classic
- Dubai World Cup
- Epsom Derby
- Cheltenham Gold Cup
- Belmont Stakes
- Ascot Gold Cup
Royal Ascot
The UK, regarded by many as the home of horse racing, hosts several of high-profile racing events during the year. The Grand National, Cheltenham Gold Cup, and Epsom Derby attract thousands of fans to the track and a global TV audience of millions.
Royal Ascot is arguably the most prestigious and famous occasion of them all, with the occasion shown in over 180 countries around the world. The racecourse attracts more than 500,000 visitors a year to its five-day spectacular.
The main event is the Ascot Gold Cup; an historic race was first run in 1807. It is staged over a trip of two-and-a-half miles and is renowned as a stern test of stamina, attracting the finest staying horses in the world.
Racing fans around the world can be a part of the action by making the most of Royal Ascot free bets from online operators. Fans who can’t wait for the next big race can always try their hand at some of the top horse racing video games we’ve reviewed below.
Best Video Horse Racing Games
Sport has inspired multiple successful video game titles over the years. Soccer, MMA, boxing, golf, motor racing, Tour de France, NFL, and more, have all seen hugely popular titles.
Phar Lap: Horse Racing Challenge
This informative and impressive game takes you through the workings of a racing yard. You are in charge after inheriting a racing yard, but to unlock better horses and facilities you will need to complete missions and level up. Missions include races, horse breeding and improving facilities in the yard.
Players have to deal with the financial side of owning a horse or stable too, such as paying bills and employees. There’s even a fun betting tool that allows players to study the form and mimic races from the comfort of their own home.
Winning Post 10
The Winning Post series launched its first game way back in 1993. The titles success saw it celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2023 with the launch of Winning Post 10.
The game sees players become horse owners and producers, experiencing the drama and disasters of the racing world. Breeding, training, finances, maintenance, horse skills, and more, all need to be managed in order to win.
Graphically, this title is the best on the list thanks to its recent release date, and the gameplay is impressive and smooth. The biggest problem remains the lack of an English language version, as it is primarily aimed at the Japanese gaming market. However, despite that it deserves its place on this list.
Rival Stars Horse Racing
This game is very similar to Phar Lap and was created by the same developers, PikPok. Players inherit their grandfather’s ranch and must make the right decisions to ensure its survival.
There’s a comprehensive career mode, impressive race simulations, and incredibly detailed breeding and training systems. The game is packed with other features too, including:
- Full realistic UK jumps racing calendar
- Race against legends from the past
- Full horse historical lineage and data
- Newspaper style race and form cards
- Form book going back up to 20 seasons
- Race at over 100 racecourses.
- Cross Country and Steeplechase options
With realistic dynamic commentary and an old-school style betting shop to keep you entertained. Available on PC and mobile, Rival Stars Horse Racing delves deep into the racing world and comes out a clear winner.
Champion Jockey
This title may be older than others in this list and suffer graphically in comparison, but unlike those other titles it focuses solely on life as a jockey. Players must take charge of their career and learn the nuances of each horse, knowing when to push or when to hold back.
There’s plenty of depth here, with lots of statistical data to get your head around if you want to learn how to ride successfully. If you’re short on time, then exhibition mode or local and online multiplayer options make for lots of stress-free fun.
It may be a little dated, but Champion Jockey is a fun game that offers horse racing fans the chance to saddle up and ride into the thick of the action.