Updated:
May 2, 2023 5:41 am
Equestrianism is the sport that has captured the hearts of millions all over the world. For that reason, you can now experience all the action right from your home thanks to bookmakers who let you stream and bet on horse races at lightning-fast speeds.
But horse racing wasn’t born overnight. On the contrary, it sprouted roots centuries ago and there is an interesting story that is worth sharing. So, if you are a horse racing fan, keep along with us to learn more about its beginnings and understand how this sport became an icon of online sports betting worldwide.
The First Horse Race
The domestication of horses began 6,000 years ago, where Ukraine and Kazakhstan are currently located. However, the first horse racing dates way back to the ancient Olympic Games in 700 BC. The riders back then were not just mounted on horses but also had carriages. But yes, it was when the concept of live online casino baccarat games and other current popular events didn’t exist at all, so you can imagine the high reputation for this type of activity.
Horse racing wasn’t official until much later though, around the mid-17th century when royalty like Charles II and Louis XIV started supporting it. These kings helped standardize rules for horse types, distances and prizes for races. Since then, this unbelievable sport has grown so popular that we now have multiple world events.
The Arrival of Betting on Horse Racing
In 1814, the Jockey Club wrote the professional rules of horse racing. Faced with this regulation, the first bookmakers appeared that focused on rewarding the forecasts of their fans.
Horse betting is diverse. The most common (and simple) is the winning bet, in which the winner is the one who hits the horse that crosses the finish line first. Other options are place bets and the show bet, which reward the one who hits the horse that achieves the first, second and even third place.
In horse racing betting there is no winning formula. On the other hand, it is a sum of factors that increase the chances of winning.
Some recommendations before betting, in horse races, are:
- Do your research: The horse’s performance in previous competitions, the condition of the track or weather predictions are factors you should know before betting on your winning horse.
- Know the odds: In each bookmaker the odds vary, check how much it is possible for a horse to win before betting on it.
- Compare prices: Defining where to bet is an indispensable task if you want to really take advantage of your move. Find the one with the best quota and the best prestige.
The Prominence of Horse Racing in Online Betting
Whether for the excitement of the competition or the opportunity to win a lot of money, horse racing bets are still one of the most important despite the passage of the years. However, technology changed the way bets are made in this category.
In the past, only the nobility or very wealthy people were able to participate. Now, thanks to online betting and broadcasts through digital channels, equine sport is easily accessible to anyone.
Live broadcasts are the most outstanding innovation in horse betting. They have become an absolute game changer. Now, you can tune into races happening all over the planet without budging from your comfy home. Plus, you can actually bet while watching the race unfold right before your very eyes. Who would’ve thought such a thing possible just a short while ago?
The Most Popular Horse Racing Events
Horse races move a lot of money all over the world. That’s why, in this list we share some of the races with the largest prominence and the most popular among the betting operators.
- Dubai World Cup: The richest race in the world, with a prize fund that reaches 12 million dollars. It’s no surprise then that this race draws some top dogs from politics, sports and showbiz circles.
- Kentucky Derby: If there’s one horse race everyone is hyped about in America, it’s definitely this one held annually on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky for more than several decades now. Last year’s grand prize was set to be a whopping $3 million.
- Royal Ascot: With a fund of 10.4 million dollars, this event is one of the oldest in the world. This fancy event is organized by none other than British royalty themselves making it quite formal yet.
- Arc de Triomphe Award: The Arc could not be left out of this list. This historic race that has been held since 1920 is organized by the Longchamp racecourse in Paris and has a fund of 5 million dollars.
- Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe: Another major horse race held in Paris, France, with a prize fund of €5 million (approximately USD 5.6 million) in 2021. It is considered one of the most prestigious horse races in Europe.
While betting on horses has been around forever now you can get down without even having to leave your house these days either online or otherwise. All things considered, if you want to make your first move, just remember to consider the odds, research and compare the odds at your favorite sportsbooks.
