Horse racing can be a thrilling sport to watch, both on TV and live in the stands. Cheltenham is a popular course in the racing calendar and is a favourite among punters thanks to showcasing the very best in jumping.
Meanwhile the Grand National is one of the famous races in the world, viewed by a whopping 600 million people each year.
But what makes horse racing a great social event? Research, commissioned by 888sport, polled 2,000 adults and discovered how popular horse racing actually is for us Brits. Read on to find out more about the races and other sporting trends.
The Three Big Meetings
There are the big three races on the calendar: Cheltenham Festival, Grand National and Royal Ascot.
Our research found that as many as 90% of followers of the big three racing events will have a flutter, typically placing a stake on six races – but it’s not just the betting which attracts viewers and visitors.
In fact, nearly 4 in 5 (79%) horse racing fans make events like Cheltenham and the Grand National a social occasion.
It should come as no surprise that racing is seen as a social event, given that 20% of respondents said they become a fan just for the duration of these sporting occasions, despite not typically watching the sport.
Piquing Interest
The big annual events in horse racing are a great way to pique interest in a sport they may not have previously considered.
Although 44% of people interested in horse racing only follow the main events such as Grand National and Cheltenham, our research found 40% of all those surveyed are interested in going to a live horseracing event in the next 12 months.
This is a phenomenon we see beyond horse racing events – our research found 35% only ever follow tennis during Wimbledon.
A quarter (23%) only watch rugby when the Six Nations are on, 18% only tune in to Formula 1 when the British GP takes place and 39% of people only watch football during a major competition such as the World Cup or Euros.
But 34% enjoy watching sports they haven’t viewed before, so such events can sometimes be great gateways into new interests.
A spokesperson for 888sport says: “The fact that so many people are interested in these events despite not typically following the sport shows the appeal that Cheltenham and other events held.
“Across the 28 races there will be twists, turns, and upsets galore – spectators will be on the edge of their seats – we can’t wait.”
Becoming experts in the field
Have you ever started watching a sport and transformed into an expert? You’re not alone!
Our study also found, of the 34% of adults who follow horseracing, 51% claim to become an expert in it, but only for the duration of the events – the Grand National, Cheltenham, and Ascot in particular.
Despite over half of people claiming to be an expert, only 21% always research details around the best horses, trainers and other details. So how does one pick a winner?
It’s all in the name.
The top methods used when choosing which horse to place a stake on include:
- The horse’s name
- The odds
- Past successes of the thoroughbred
- Weather conditions
- Tips from racing supplements and blogs
- The colour of the jockey’s uniform.
With 59% of all adults having bet on a horse race at one time or another, only 21% claim to have a good instinct for picking out a winner.
Backing the favourite
So is there method in the madness of backing a horse based on a name? Looking at the odds can highlight how the bookmakers think a race will go, however, the favourite doesn’t always win.
In fact, 3 in 10 Cheltenham races (30%) see the favourite take the crown. And if the favourite doesn’t win every time, could the name make you a winner?
Well back in 2022, Commander Of Fleet crossed the line a champion in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham with impressive odds of 50-1.
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Global Citizen finished first in the Grand Annual Handicap Chase with odds of 28-1.
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The impressively named Ahorsewithnoname didn’t come first, but with 50-1 it came pretty close in second place.
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The Nice Guy was declared the winner with 18-1 odds.
Whether you have a connection to a name, think it’s funny, or love to back an underdog – there might just be something behind a name.
The horse racing calendar
With Cheltenham Festival around the corner, you can start to plan for the year ahead.
The three major racing events take place in the first half of the year, so there are plenty of opportunities to take some friends to a day at the races or grab the girls for ladies’ day:
- March: Cheltenham Festival
- April: The Grand National
- June: Royal Ascot
So who’s attending? People in the 18-24 age group appeared to be the most interested in attending a horseracing event in the future.
While the 18-24 and 25-34 age groups are also the most likely to plan their year around one or more key events of the UK sporting calendar – not just horse racing!
The research discovered 81% like to watch major sports events – the likes of the Superbowl, the Boat Race, and the Ashes. With 35% of those passionate fans planning their entire year around them.
A spokesperson for 888sport says: "There are those who like to stick to one or two sports and follow them closely, those who watch everything going, and those who just watch the big events.
“Whatever your preference, there are plenty of events to choose from and enjoy.”
*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*
