Horse racing in Thailand was exceptionally popular during its glory years, but that popularity has been diminishing over the past couple of years. The success that the sport achieved in the 19th and 20th centuries has failed to stand the test of time, which has led to a number of closures of some of the country’s most respected tracks.
However, the sport remains popular among some fans, with a reported 2.5 million people attending racing throughout the year. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that the sport is among the most betted on at thaibets365.com. The sportsbook enables bets to be placed on all races across Thailand throughout the year, as well as the big global events that transcend the sport, such as the Kentucky Derby and Grand National.
Biggest Races & Popularity
While countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States are able to attract Racegoers throughout the year, with even the smaller meetings throughout the week enjoying high ticket sales, the same can’t be said in Thailand. In the country, many of the record-breaking crowds are attracted to watch the sport for the biggest races on the calendar.
The biggest of those remains the Bangkok Derby, which is staged annually in January. While the Royal Turf Club was shut down in 2018, it’s likely that the success of popular races such as the President Cup and Ramraghav Cup will be maintained at their new homes.
However, the most prestigious venue for racing in the country remains the Royal Bangkok Sports Club, which was the first to host any kind of horse racing in the country. But, the club isn’t the most accessible for all fans of the sport, as it is one of the most exclusive in the country, with many claiming that it is highly selective on members allowed to join.
Differences Between Thai And Other Racing
The vast majority of races in Thailand are run on the turf, making it very similar to racing in Europe. Unlike the United States, dirt racing is nearly as popular in Thailand. The breeding is one of the key differences between racing in Thailand and the rest of the world, with Thai racing mainly focused on the native Bangkaew breed. In Europe, many different breeds are tried and tested, with much of the fun of punters focusing on how each pedigree will perform over certain distances and courses.
Since Thai racing was only really established in the 19th century, it also means that many races in the United Kingdom and Ireland are more prestigious. That is also evident by the prize money offered in some of the biggest races in Europe. Therefore, those successful owners in Thailand that are looking for better returns will likely set up a relationship with a British trainer to gain more money in returns.
However, many believe that the rules and regulations for racing in Thailand play a more significant role, with Thai fans often believing that the jockeys have to be more skilful to ride a high number of winners in Thailand. They argue that British and Irish racing is focused more on the talent of the horse than the man or woman onboard. However, it would be hard to agree with that stance given some of the worldwide dominance that jockeys in the UK and Ireland have enjoyed throughout their careers.
Thai Success Overseas
As mentioned, the prize money offered in Thailand often means that investors who are looking for returns on their investments take their runners overseas. One of the most successful Thai investors in racing remains King Power Racing, who set up a base in the United Kingdom, with many of their runners coming out of the Andrew Balding yard.
The owners have already enjoyed great success on the football field, as they helped guide Leicester City to an astounding Premier League success in 2016. However, that same success has also followed onto the racecourse too.
One of the group’s most successful runners remains Beat The Bank, who won multiple Group races throughout his career. Aptly named Bangkok was also a multiple-time Group race winner in the King Power colours.
Could Overseas Success Lead To Greater Thai Popularity?
The popularity of horse racing in Thailand has diminished over recent seasons, but landmark victories overseas could see the tide turn back in their favour. It could be a famous year in 2023 for the King Power Racing group, as they have a solid contender for British Classic glory in the form of The Foxes. The three-year-old appears to have a live chance for the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket in May.
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.