During the weekends and national holidays, you’ll find many UK residents glued to their TV screens, watching horse races. And you can tell they love this sport by their excitement, celebrations, and the increasing number of horse racing betting sites sum it all up. So, why is horse racing so popular in the UK?
Read on to discover why horse racing is unique and one of the most cherished sports in the UK and other nations.
Fascinating History
Horse racing has a rich, fascinating history. This sport started in the 18th century when horses were widely used in transportation, war, hunting, hauling goods, etc.
In the earlier years, horse racing was quite peculiar. For example, there were events known as cannonball races involving long-distance races covering thousands of miles. In some nations, men competed against horses in what was known as horse-vs-man races. Here’s the funny bit. Although horses are known for their speed, a handful of men have outrun these beasts in horse-vs-man races.
Gambling and Wagering
Like many famous events, horse racing allows fans to place bets. Bettors can wager on a pony likely to win or predict those that may come in second, third, etc. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Horse race gambling is unique in a couple of other ways. For starters, bettors can predict the first two jockeys to win in order (exacta) or the first three (trifecta), four (superfecta), etc. Furthermore, the sites use betting systems that pool together all bets and determine odds from the total amount placed on each racehorse.
International Appeal
Horse racing is an international sport that over 1 billion people hold dear. Many people from around the globe love this sport because it’s deeply rooted in various cultures and traditions. Horse races are often a spectacle, featuring attention-grabbing parades, live entertainment, and ceremonies.
Bond Between Jockey and Horse
Horse racing isn’t similar to a sport like football, where players just need to kick a random ball and score goals. In this sport, jockeys have to develop strong bonds with their mounts. They must establish a trusting relationship, know their horses’ traits, understand their moods, and identify signs their ponies might show when reflecting different needs and desires.
Unpredictability
Many consider horse racing the most unpredictable sport. And it makes complete sense. As you know, racehorses are living beings, and their energy levels, moods, and response to stimuli like noise can affect their performance on any given day. Moreover, weather and track conditions often make the impossible possible. Remember that rare tactics, trainer decisions, and a stroke of luck often influence race outcomes.
The Bottom Line
Horse racing is a unique sport with a rich history and an enormous global fanbase. Millions of people love it since it’s incredibly entertaining and unpredictable. It also offers the opportunity to witness what a strong bond between a man and an animal can achieve. Lastly, this sport supports gambling and wagering.
But be cautious. Horse race betting is risky and can lead to financial troubles. To avoid losing money, do extensive research before wagering on any race. Most importantly, don’t risk more than you can afford to lose.
Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.