As we approach 2025, it’s clear that global horse racing is in an interesting position. In some respects, it is healthier than ever, yet there are many challenges, including how to grow the sport of horse racing at the grassroots level. That said, it’s fair to say the industry is cautiously optimistic about meeting these challenges as we move into 2025.
Below, we present five things to look out for next year. They aren’t predictions but discussion points that may loom significant next year. Of course, there is always room for the unforeseen, but these issues may blossom and become central to the narrative of horse racing betting in 2025 and beyond.
The Role of AI in the Industry
So much of the talk around artificial intelligence can be put down to hype, but the technology has many real-world uses. For a start, AI can be beneficial for trainers in pinpointing potential injuries, with some stables already using the technology for just that scenario. Overall, we’d say that AI will grow into a net benefit for horse welfare. As for predictions, we would be wary of using AI for horse-betting strategies. It has some merit, but you should be sceptical about anyone touting AI systems, especially those who claim you can’t lose. We are far from any technology predicting precisely what a horse will do in a race.
The Kentucky Derby Is On the Up
The 2024 Kentucky Derby was marked by a thrilling win from unfancied Mystik Dan, but there were many reasons for the organizers to be cheerful. Attendance was at its highest since 2018, proof that racing has recovered from its pandemic hangover. More importantly, perhaps, television viewing figures were at their highest for 35 years. There are still questions over the economies of ‘day-to-day’ racing in the United States, yet the year’s showcase event demonstrates that racing can still draw interest.
Lessons from Down Under
If you want to know how to drum up interest from casual fans, there is no better place to look than Australia. The country has embraced the concept of slot races (where owners/backers purchase a slot, leading to strong fields and big purses), adding the Meteorite and Supernova to the already-established Everest. They have also innovated with public votes for race entries, including the All-Star Mile. As authorities across the globe decide how to engage those not already committed to racing, the Aussies have left us plenty of blueprints.
The Existential Crisis in British Jumps Racing
The fact that Irish trainer Willie Mullins is the current British Champion Jumps Trainer without even truly focusing on races in Britain has hit home with British racing authorities. The industry is not in good shape, especially considering how dominant the Irish have been when coming over to compete for the bigger prizes. Many proposals have been made to revive the fortunes of British trainers, but will any be seriously considered? All eyes will be on the Cheltenham Festival again to see how the British hold up against the formidable Irish Raiders.
The Globalisation of the Industry
We have hinted above that getting people interested in low-key horse racing meetings can be a bit of a challenge. Yet, the prestige of international events keeps growing. We expect to see more interest from Asia in the Triple Crown races, for example, and you might also see more involvement from European and North American trainers in locations like Japan and Hong Kong. Money talks in racing and prestigious international events are putting up purses to interest the world’s top trainers, jockeys, runners, and owners. How this impacts the grind of ‘local’ racing remains to be seen.