Sport of kings: Horse racing still truly special
Horse racing, often known as ‘the sport of kings’, holds a special place in the hearts of many. The sport is beloved especially for major annual events like the Grand National, the Derby, and Cheltenham Festival, but remains steadily popular throughout the year.
Although often associated with wealth, prestige and royalty, horse racing manages to transcend social class, appealing strongly to people from all backgrounds. Attracting everyone from everyday punters placing smaller bets online from home to wealthy high-rollers and investors in horse breeding, it’s as much a sport of the people as it is a sport of kings.
Horse racing is a staple of British culture, but it’s also enjoyed around the globe. Millions of people travel to attend the highest-profile horse races and festivals. Millions more watch from their homes and betting shops, with these bets worth billions annually. It has even impacted other areas of culture, inspiring racing-themed movies and slot games.
Remarkably, this sport has not only stood the test of time, but remained relatively unchanged over the centuries. For this reason and others, we think it’s worth celebrating.
The great Cheltenham giveaway
One of the major tentpole events in the horse racing calendar is the Cheltenham Festival, a prestigious event that takes place over four days in early March. It is known for drawing a who’s who of world-class jockeys, elite racing horses and their trainers. The Cheltenham Festival dates back to the 1800s, and still features the famous Gold Cup race.
The Gold Cup
This year, the Gold Cup was won by jockey Mark Walsh and horse Inothewayurthinkin, trained by Gavin Cromwell and owned by JP McManus. The horse immediately became a favourite to win the Grand National in April, but was later withdrawn by his trainer.
Inothewayurthinkin had not been expected to perform so well, having been included in the race just six days before the event to supplement McManus’s other horses, one of which suffered a fatal injury in the same race. The last-minute entry cost an additional £25k, but claimed the first prize, worth almost £280k.
Promotions
Giveaways, promotions and bonuses are a big part of the gambling industry. High-value bonuses can be claimed from both sportsbooks and casinos.
Horse racing isn’t just about the racing – it’s about the betting too. Emphasising this, BetMGM decided to randomly award £250k to two lucky punters this year. BetMGM is celebrating its first year as an official sponsor at Cheltenham, and all bettors needed to do to qualify is place a bet of £2 or more on any sports market.
As of the time of writing, the first prize has been awarded, but the second winner has yet to be confirmed. Whilst it’s too late to qualify, such giveaways indicate the massive amounts of money that pass through these events. Giveaways as generous as these are a highly effective marketing tool, generating a buzz in the press whilst swaying punters to place their bets with the sponsor.
The Grand National
Held at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, the Grand National is perhaps the most famous horse race in the world, dating back to 1839. The course features some infamous obstacles, such as Becher’s Brook, The Chair, and Canal Turn, all spread over four miles.
High profile
The Grand National is a truly national event, and many Brits who do not normally gamble join in the fun. Worldwide, more than 600 million people tune into the broadcast, and it is estimated that over £300 million will be staked on the race. The viewing figures are still huge, despite a decline over the past few years, especially in the UK.
The Grand National is distinguished for many reasons. It boasts more prize money than the Derby, more grandeur and national interest than the Melbourne Cup, a bigger course than the Kentucky Derby, and more spectacle than the prestigious Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
The 2025 winner was long shot-ish Nick Rockett, ridden by Patrick Mullins, which came in at 33-1 ahead of last year's winner I Am Maximus.
The Derby
The Epsom Derby, often simply called The Derby, is one of the World’s oldest races, originating in 1780. It is held every June at the Epsom Downs Racecourse, and is considered the premier flat race in British horse racing.
The course is about 1½ miles long, testing both the speed and stamina of participants. The race is open to three-year-old colts and fillies, and the winners take home a share of more than £1.5 million in prizes.
Like the Grand National, the Derby has seen a decline in viewership, but still remains a huge event. The race also has a reputation for attracting royal guests, and its position as one of the most prestigious events in horse racing remains firm.
The 2025 Derby is on Friday 6 June, with the seven main races taking place on the 7th. Races take place from 1pm to 5.25pm, and include multiple Betfred-sponsored events.
The fact that events such as the Epsom Derby can still capture millions of people worldwide is a testament to the sport itself, and to its close relationship with the gambling industry.
Other great races around the world
As very British as horse racing is, there are several other races around the world that must get a mention.
USA
The Kentucky Derby is the biggest racing event in the US calendar. Also known as ‘The Run for the Roses’, it continues to draw massive crowds and generate significant revenues.
The Breeders’ Cup Classic is another major American race, this one serving as a showcase of the world’s best thoroughbreds.
Australia
The Melbourne Cup is one of Australia’s biggest sporting events. It is held in November at the Flemington Racecourse, and has been described as ‘the race that stops a nation’. Race day is also a public holiday in the state of Victoria; they take it that seriously.
France
The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp Racecourse is a prestigious flat race, and is estimated to have more money flow through it than any other flat race in the world.
Dubai
The wealth associated with the Dubai World Cup is characteristic of the area. High-rollers and investors descend on Dubai for this annual event. The 2025 race was held on 5 April, coinciding with the Grand National.
Looking ahead
In these turbulent times, a bit of consistency is very welcome, and horse racing has remained staunchly unchanged for lifetimes. It continues to generate huge revenues and create many jobs. Betting companies offer valuable promotions to draw in new customers, encouraging them to place their bets with them.
Not all good news
However, recently, the British Horseracing Authority published data that has raised great concern about the future of the horse racing industry. The data appears to reveal the damage done by the Gambling Commission’s introduction of financial background checks on punters. Hopefully the UKGC will respond accordingly and work to secure the future of this heritage sport.
Events such as the Grand National and Cheltenham Festival are jewels of British culture, full of pomp, glamour, extravagant hats, and plenty of nail-biting, adrenaline-pumping action. Horse racing is indeed the sport of kings, but, at its best brings people of all backgrounds together.