Why is Australian Horse Racing So Popular?
There is something about horse racing that captures the Australian imagination. Perhaps it is the romance of the sport or the excitement of watching horses thunder around a track at high speeds. Whatever the reason, horse racing is one of Australia’s most popular pastimes.
In this article, we will look at why is Australian horse racing so popular and some of the country’s most prestigious races and stakes. We will also explore how to bet on horse races in Australia and some of this great sport’s benefits to the nation!
Why Is Horse Racing So Popular in Australia?
Horse racing is a big sport worldwide but is most significant in Australia, only behind football and rugby league. The sport has been a big part of Australian society since the early 19th century, and its popularity has only grown in recent years. In 2017, there was an estimated $12.65 billion wagered on horse racing in Australia, which is a considerable amount of money for a country with a population of only 24 million. So why is horse racing so popular in Australia?
There are many reasons why horse racing is such a big deal in Australia.
- It’s a sport that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re betting on the races or just enjoying the atmosphere, there’s something for everyone at the racetrack. The sport is readily available to Australians. Did you know that there are almost 400 racecourses around the country? That’s more than any other country in the world! This means that no matter where you are in Australia, you’re never too far from a horse race.
- Another reason why horse racing is so prevalent in Australia is that it’s a great day out. A day at the races is the perfect opportunity to dress up, socialize and enjoy the outdoors. It’s a great way to spend time with family and friends. And, of course, there’s the excitement of watching the races and hopefully picking a winner!
- Australians generally love animals. It’s a nation of pet lovers. And what’s not to love about horses? They are beautiful, graceful creatures. Many Australians have a personal connection to horses through family or friends who own or ride them. This connection helps create a strong bond between Australians and horse racing.
- The races are also popular because Australians get to bet on their favourite jockeys and horses. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of watching your horse race to victory and knowing that you’ve backed a winner! It is estimated that up to 1.8 million Australians bet quarterly yearly, and nearly 1.2 million are horse racing bets.
- Horse racing is also popular in Australia because it’s a sport with a long history. We’ll get to this point in just a moment.
How Did Horse Racing Start in Australia?
Horse racing is thought to have started in Australia in 1802 when the sport was introduced by the Governor of New South Wales, Captain Philip Gidley King. Captain King brought two stallions and six mares from Cape Town, South Africa, to Sydney. These were the first horses in Australia and were used for racing and farming. His actions caused the movement to snowball, and by the next hundred years, the Sydney Turf Club had been formed.
Horse racing quickly became popular in Australia, and by 1811, races were being held regularly in Sydney. In 1838, the first official race meeting was held at Hyde Park in Sydney. This event is now known as the Royal Easter Show. In 1864, the Australian Jockey Club was formed. This was the first official horse racing organization in Australia, and it is still going strong today.
The first Melbourne Cup was held in 1861, quickly becoming Australia’s most prestigious horse race. The Melbourne Cup is now known as “the race that stops a nation” because of the way the whole country comes to a standstill to watch it.
Which Are the Most Prestigious Horse Races in Australia?
Following the establishment of the Sydney Turf Club, Various other equally significant clubs popped up. These include the Australian Jockey Club, The Victoria Racing Club, and the Queensland Turf Club.
There are now four major horse racing carnivals in Australia. They are:
-The Melbourne Spring Carnival
-The Adelaide Autumn Carnival
-Brisbane’s Winter Carnival
-Perth’s Summer Carnival
These carnivals attract some of the best horses, jockeys, and trainers from all over the world. They are a highlight on the Australian horse racing calendar and provide some of the most prestigious races in Australia.
Some of the most famous horse races in Australia include:
-The Melbourne Cup
-The Cox Plate
-The Caulfield Cup
-The Golden Slipper
-The Oakleigh Plate
-The Newmarket Handicap
These are just a few of the most famous horse races in Australia. Many others are also extremely popular with both locals and international visitors. However, the Melbourne Cup blows its competition out of the water.
It is the single longest horse race worldwide and draws a following that could match that of the Britain Grand National. Unlike other forms of betting where machines control the games, it’s down to the punter to make their judgment to ensure a win in horse racing.
How to Bet on Horse Racing in Australia
Apart from the excitement of horse racing, there’s a lot of money to be won at the races. Betting adds an insane thrill to the adrenaline rush you experience when watching to see if your favourite jockey or horse is winning or losing. Since horse racing is prevalent in Australia, it has evolved into a significant phenomenon that runs into billions annually.
Today, it’s easy to wager on a horse race from anywhere in the world online. Most bets are made online because it is easily accessible and convenient. However, if you want the whole experience, you can do on-track betting through licensed bookmakers who fix the odds. You, however, need to understand most horse betting jargon and terms to avoid making mistakes.
For unfixed odds, you can venture into off-track betting. Another way you can bet in a horse race is through SP bookmaking. SP or starting price bookmaking is where you bet against the bookmaker’s odds.
What Are the Benefits of Horse Racing to Australia?
Horse racing is a big industry in Australia, providing many benefits to the country. Some of these benefits include:
- It generates employment opportunities: Horse racing requires many people to run smoothly. The industry employs many people, from stable hands to jockeys, trainers, vets, and farriers.
- It boosts the economy: The horse racing industry is worth billions of dollars and contributes significantly to the Australian economy.
- It helps to promote tourism: Horse racing carnivals are held all over Australia, and they attract international visitors worldwide. This helps to boost the country’s tourism industry.
