One of the oldest sports still running, Horse Racing has been a pivotal form of entertainment for people for centuries from Ancient Greece till present.
Throughout these years it has set itself apart from other sports and retained its individuality whilst remaining popular and increasingly accessible. But just how and why has this magnificent sport managed to do this? And just why is horse racing like no other?
Betting
In recent years the intertwined nature of betting and horse racing draws in many punters to the sport who are looking to win some money from the sport. No other sport is quite as linked to sports betting as the horses are. Betting within the sport adds exhilaration, entertainment and a true atmosphere at live events.
It doesn’t matter how you are betting whether it be online or in-person, the sport attracts expert and beginner bettors and has massive events such as the Grand National which draw thousands every year.
Betting holds this sport up like no other and the racing benefits from the betting with people cheering on outsiders and horses winning races that they would not otherwise win adds to this sports entertainment value massively. Betting and horse racing are truly unique as well and being made easier thanks to guides, tips and an odds calculator.
Heritage/Culture
Whilst many other sports have a strong history and tradition in them, from the royals turning up to the FA Cup final to all the pomp and circumstance surrounding Wimbledon and Roland Garros, no other sport nails tradition and heritage in recent decades quite like horse racing.
It grabs its culture which is steeped in tradition from centuries gone by of royalties and upper class spectators and mixes it phenomenally well with normal people nowadays. Royals still turn up to many racetracks, but betting and drinking are allowed on the racetracks by everyone.
Indeed, perhaps the biggest indicator of this retention of tradition is the dress code at big racecourses. Suits and stilettos are a mandate which, for the most part, actually adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation to the event. Where else, aside from a wedding, are you going to see so many fascinators and flat caps in one area?
The remnants of a high class event have spilled over into the sport as it is today and the two have merged well, like no other sport has managed to do.
Worldwide Appeal
Horse racing is loved by so many as it is a truly global sport that attracts millions to be involved in it. At its very premise the sport has outreached so many as it has remained accessible to people across the globe.
Its primitive and easy premise of the first horse over the line wins makes it easy to set up, easy for many to participate in and easy for fans to spectate no matter where you are from. The sport has also avoided big money financial takeovers which have ultimately changed the way other sports function.
American sports and the English Premier League have suffered at the hands of too much monetary influence on the sport and quite frankly it looks to be ruining these once amazing entertaining sports. Whilst horse racing is intrinsically linked with betting, the sport has not been overrun with targeted financial aid in the same way.
This retention of authenticity along with its worldwide appeal means it attracts so many punters from all over the globe and is truly like no other sport.
Thrill
The thrill that horse racing can provide in such a short space of time is another bonus to the sport. With the Kentucky Derby known as the ‘greatest two minutes in sport’, the sport is fast and thrilling.
With every flat race run in under 5 minutes usually, this sport is quick and entertaining and avoids the slogs or boredom which can result from other sports which are slower.
In the same vain, the sport remains tactical and split second decisions can really influence how the race pans out. This rapid, quick fix of entertainment is very appealing to many people and gives a sporting dimension that other sports fail to provide.
Wrap-Up
Whether you love it or hate it, horse racing truly is like no other sport. It has set itself apart from others historically and presently. Fast and thrilling with upheld traditions and accessibility across the globe it remains a top sport. Its link with betting cannot be seen in any other sport and provides an extra layer of entertainment for those involved.
Whilst other sports also have their own unique quirks, horse racing really does remain a sport like no other. So if you are a fan – keep doing what you’re doing. If you are new to the sport, you’re in for a treat!
