(6/23) Horse racing remains one of the most recognisable and oldest forms of sporting competition. Today, however, it is no longer just a contest between jockeys and horses, but an entire industry with billions in turnover, state-of-the-art technology and a wealth of betting options. Especially in 2025, when horse racing has become closer to the digital world and even more attractive to bettors around the world. Together with mustangrescue.org, we tell you what the modern horse racing industry looks like.
Types of Racing: Not Just Derby
A lot of people, when they talk about horse racing, only think of classic flat tracks. Those flat races, like the Kentucky Derby. However, the reality is much more diverse. Today there are three main categories:
Flat racing is the most popular and recognisable discipline. It is simple: horses run on a straight or oval track with no obstacles. Such competitions dominate in the USA, UK, UAE and Japan. A prime example is Royal Ascot, where Docklands won the prestigious King Charles III Stakes in 2025, opening the season with a dramatic victory.
Jump racing (or steeplechase/hurdle) differs from flat in that obstacles are placed on the track. Jump racing is particularly popular in the UK and Ireland, where iconic events like the Cheltenham Gold Cup and Grand National take place every year. It is not only about speed, but also about endurance and the horse's ability to overcome the hurdles.
Harness racing is a lesser known but no less spectacular format in which a horse pulls a sulky (a two-wheeled cart with a rider) behind it. Such races are favourite in Canada, the USA and Scandinavian countries. It is a discipline about technique and pace, not about top speed.
Each type requires its own betting strategy. In flat, form and speed are important, in jump experience and stability, and in harness even the weather can decide the outcome.
Economy: Figures That Speak for Themselves
In 2025, the global horse racing market is estimated at $127 billion, and in the next five years analysts predict growth to $182 billion. Such figures are explained not only by the interest in the competitions themselves, but also by the growing online betting segment. For example, in the US alone, the horse racing market in 2024 was worth $4.5 billion and continues to grow, including through digitalisation and new platforms.
The online format has completely changed the perception of horse racing. Previously, you had to be at the racetrack or switch on a TV broadcast to follow the races. Now all you need is an app with live streaming and the ability to bet in real time. At Royal Ascot, for example, all races are available via Sky Sports and ITV, with live betting available during the process.
The Basics of Betting from Simple to Complex
One of the main advantages of horse racing is the rich choice of betting formats. This makes the sport interesting for both beginners and experienced bettors.
Classic bets such as Win (to win), Place (finishing in the top 2 or 3) and Show (finishing in the top 3) are familiar to most people. They are easy to calculate, suitable for those who are just starting out and not ready to risk too much.
Each-Way betting is a hybrid: part of it is to win and part of it is to finish in the top three. It is a convenient format for large tournaments like the Grand National, where it is difficult to guess the winner, but it is realistic to get to the top.
Complex formats such as Exacta, Trifecta or Superfecta. These are bets on the exact order of finish of two, three or four horses. They offer the chance of a big win for a relatively modest stake, but require serious analysis. At Royal Ascot, for example, these bets attract the attention of thrill-seekers.
There are also multi-stakes across multiple races. For example, Pick 3, Pick 4 and Placepot. The last one is particularly popular in the UK: a participant picks the winners of six races and, if successful, receives a share of the total pool, which at Royal Ascot exceeds £400,000 daily.
Why Exotic Bets are Growing in Popularity
Trifecta or Superfecta bets, which were previously considered the domain of enthusiasts, are now increasingly being chosen by ordinary players. The reason is simple - the software and algorithms have become smarter. Mobile apps offer strategies, tips and even AI-powered predictions. This lowers the entry threshold and makes such bets more accessible.
In addition, the bookmakers themselves stimulate interest: for example, at Royal Ascot, extended Place and Each-Way payouts are offered, making such bets more favourable even without an accurate guess at the winner.
Digitalisation of Betting: Live, Streaming and Artificial Intelligence
Technology is changing everything. Now a player can:
- Watch the horse racing live right in the app;
- Make live bets when the odds change over the course of a race;
- Receive tips based on AI analytics - taking into account weather conditions, jockey form, recent horse results and even owner preferences.
It's no longer just betting, but an interactive, engaging experience. In 2025, the majority of new users will come to horse racing not through the racetrack, but through a digital platform.
Conclusion: Horse Racing as a Field for Smart Betting
Today's horse racing is no longer a niche hobby. It is a global market with technology, a huge audience and a wide range of bets. Understanding the nuances (from the format of the race to the right bet) allows you to not only enjoy watching, but to do so profitably.
That's why horse racing continues to attract more and more bettors around the world, from the UK to Japan, from the US to Australia. The question is no longer whether you should play, but how well you understand the game.
