A couple of years ago, a groundbreaking virtual reality (VR) experience debuted at Sandown Park, providing horse racing enthusiasts with a first-hand glimpse into the thrilling world of racing. Created by JockeyCam Ltd, the Virtual Race Experience allowed users to immerse themselves in the action on the ground, offering a 360-degree view from a jockey’s perspective.
Equipped with VR headsets, visitors enjoyed immersive footage captured during a staged event at Sandown Park, featuring seven jockeys sporting high-definition cameras mounted on their helmets. This innovative technology bridged the gap between spectators and the racing world. It is one of many examples of how horse racing is increasingly expanding its reach beyond the track.
@greatbritishracing @JockeyCam giving racegoers a virtual reality horse racing experience đ #lovetheracehorse #horseracing #vr #virtualreality #everyonesturf ⏠original sound – Great British Racing
New Experiences
Interest in horse racing is on the rise. The Racecourse Association reports a 1.5% increase in attendance in the UK from 2022 to 2023. Additionally, the 2024 Grand National attracted 3.1 million TV viewers, the 2021 film Dream Horse earned critical acclaim, and the volume of shows and documentaries with horse-riding themes keeps growing on streaming services such as Netflixâs popular drama series Heartland and the documentary All the Wild Horses.
The amount of games inspired by horse racing and equestrian activities is also rising. Older favourites like board games The Really Nasty Horse Racing Game, Cheatwellâs Host Your Own Race Night, and AEGâs Ready Set Bet, have been supplemented by online games like Pikpokâs Rival Stars Horse Racing. It features commentary and immersive motion-capture animation and is available on iOS and Android devices. It has also been adapted for SteamVR, Meta Quest, and Apple Vision Pro.
There are also gambling games like Frankie Dettoriâs Magic Seven Jackpot. Backed by the name of the charismatic champion jockey, the 5-reel 25-line slot can be played with free spins at many of the top online casinos. The progressive jackpot favourite has a theoretical return-to-player ratio of 93% but itâs worth it that players, who take the opportunity to play with bonus offers like free spins or no deposits, take time to understand how their various restrictions might affect their chances of a return.
Behind the Scenes
Fans can also go behind the scenes as race event organisers at popular venues invite visitors to enjoy VIP packages designed to unveil what happens off the track. For example, Virgin Experience Days offers a tour around the famed Newmarket racecourse, a look inside the world-renowned horse racing centre, and a meeting with one of the biggest names in racing, trainer Ilka Gansera-LĂ©vĂȘque. VIPs get the chance to see horses being trained on Newmarketâs racing flats with Gansera-LĂ©vĂȘque after being treated to a delicious breakfast to start the day off.
Similar behind-the-scenes tours and VIP experiences are available all over the UK including at Bath Racecourse while stable tours, including a day at trainer Jonjo OâNeillâs headquarters in Cheltenham, take fans even deeper into the world of horse racing.
The Evolution of Horse Racing
The world of horse racing is evolving, with innovative experiences like virtual reality immersing fans deeper into the action and behind-the-scenes tours offering exclusive insights. These developments, alongside rising attendance and viewership, highlight the sport’s growing appeal. As horse racing expands its reach through various mediums, enthusiasts are offered more ways than ever to connect with this thrilling sport, both on and off the track.