Image copyright: Getty Images
There are a number of ways in which
horseracing has evolved for the industry’s many participants, workers and fans, over the last century, with most developments to the good of the sport as a whole.
Discussed below are a number of aspects that have changed and/or been vastly improved in the period, with ongoing research trying to keep up with the demands of the punter, the regular race goer and the armchair racing fanatic.
Accessibility
Prior to the 1920s, horse racing was viewed as strictly a sport for the ‘rich’. As such, only the wealthy and royalty had the chance to be a part of it. But the sport has become so widespread that people can now watch from anywhere around the world. You can sit in your home and watch any major event (and most ordinary races from selected tracks) live on TV, stream the Durban July on your mobile device, receive tips and racing information of your choice via various apps, or buy tickets online to go and see the Melbourne Cup live.
Betting
In the early part of the 20
th century most bets were placed with bookmakers. Today, bookmakers are still thriving around the world with attractive and well-designed online race betting offers, but the totalisator has also been commonplace since the 1970s. There are a multitude of bets to choose from and some bookmakers have invented their own novelty bets to serve a market constantly in search of change and innovation, with offers like ‘betting-in-running’ and multiples across different countries, racing and sports disciplines. The desktop offerings from tote companies and bookmakers serve bettors who work from offices. Coupled with the many, sophisticated mobile phone betting apps and easy deposit and withdrawal systems, bettors can enjoy wagers on virtually any race, anywhere in the world, from a base anywhere else in the world.
Racing and Training Equipment
Most modern thoroughbreds are fitted with aluminium racing plates (shoes) which are lighter than steel shoes and help lighten the overall weight of essential equipment. They’re also trained with high-quality equipment which enables the trainer to assess well-being and fitness levels, including treadmills, MRI scanning, horse scales, bespoke stable lighting, horse wear (including blankets and boots) horse spa’s and swimming pools. Heart-rate monitors and specialised timing devices also come into play. All of these reduce injuries in the long run and make recovery quicker and easier. Softer leather and lighter saddles have replaced the metal strips and blankets that were used in the past and this makes the whole horse racing experience more comfortable for horse and rider. Jockeys also have lighter gear and protective wear.
Image copyright: Getty Images
Massive stake purses
The prizes for hosting races are now higher than ever before and some major luxury brands are involved in sponsoring the world’s high-profile events. The huge amounts of cash at stake attracts mainstream publicity, new supporters and sells a big dream for racing enthusiasts – to own a champion that earns proverbial ‘sky rockets'. Some of the stunning prizes include the Saudi Cup (worth $20 million); the Pegasus World Cup ($16 Million); The Dubai World Cup ($12 Million), The Everest ($10 Million) and The Breeders’ Cup Classic ($6 Million).
Female jockeys
Horseracing started out as a gender-specific sport and was only open to men. It continued to be so until 1969 when Diane Crump became the first woman to race as a professional jockey in a race in the United States. Today female rides like Rachael Blackmore, Jamie Kah and Hayley Turner are racing celebrities.
Animal activism
Animal activists have been vociferous in their opposition to racing in recent years and the pressure they have placed on governments around the world is not good for the ultimate survival of the sport in its current form. However, their protests have led to major investigations and arrests in cases where performance enhancing and horse-harming drugs have been used, as well as stricter licensing procedures, track control and rules around the use of the whip.
Horse racing betting at Betway
Make sure you back the right silks and don’t get boxed in, Betway brings you the latest in Horse Race betting. Find competitive odds and markets when you bet on the horses at Betway.
Get in on horse racing today and place your bets on horse racing at Betway.
If you need any assistance, contact us on 0861 787 250 and if you need help placing your first bet, have a look at our How To Bet guide.
Sign up now to kick off your sports betting journey with Betway.
For all the latest sports news, betting tips and promotions follow Betway on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Download the Betway App.