Horse racing in 2024 has provided some spectacular moments. In the UK, Galopin Des Champs stole the show as the sensational French horse romped to back-to-back Cheltenham Gold Cup triumphs. Out in the Arabian Gulf, American thoroughbreds stole the show, with Senor Buscador bagging a cool $20m (£15.7m) for Sharaf Al Hariri with victory at the Saudi Cup and compatriot Laurel River also claiming the lion’s share of the $12m (£9.4m) prize pot at the Dubai World Cup.
Racing has gone from strength to strength this year, so much so that the bookies have had to find alternative ways to keep punters happy around the clock.
Rising Popularity of Horse Racing and Virtual Alternatives
Beyond the excitement surrounding top-earning horses powering their way around the planet’s most challenging courses, horse racing as a whole has seen renewed popularity in recent years. The thrill of watching these stallions compete in prestigious races like the Breeders’ Cup and Kentucky Derby continues to draw millions of fans worldwide.
With more eyes on the product than ever before, the bookies have had to up their game. In order to provide punters with a round-the-clock experience, they have created virtual horse racing, a new kind of horse racing experience available 24/7. This simulation-based sport allows spectators to enjoy races through animations powered by random number generators and historical data which manifests in the form of virtual horse racing results, which can be viewed in their entirety at any time.
With that being said, it is palpable just how popular virtual racing has become. The creators have done their utmost to recreate that incredible track day experience, and their offering may well evoke similar feelings of heading to the track and watching the world’s finest blast around.
The world’s finest horses may be up for debate, but no one can deny that the following three North American horses have particularly excelled against competition throughout 2024, amassing impressive earnings.
Sierra Leone became the #BreedersCup Classic’s 41st winner this year. 🏆 pic.twitter.com/jGHem5m6MG
— Breeders’ Cup (@BreedersCup) November 16, 2024
Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone’s commanding win in the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic makes him the highest-earning horse this year, racking up an eye-watering $5,911,250 (£4,639,740) throughout the campaign. Ridden by Flavien Prat and trained by Chad Brown, the three-year-old colt stunned audiences at Del Mar by sealing a hard-fought victory in the $7 million (around £5.5m) race back in October. Starting cautiously toward the back of the pack, the eventual champion timed his surge perfectly, storming down the final stretch to overtake rival and favourite Fierceness to claim the biggest prize in North American racing.
Mystik Dan
Mystik Dan’s heroics in the 2024 Kentucky Derby secured his place in history as the winner of the 150th iteration of the storied race, as well as helping him amass a mighty $4,070,050 (£3,194,582) in earnings in 2024. Owned by 4G Racing Ownership and Valley View Farm, the Arkansas-raised colt edged out competitors in a nail-biting three-horse photo finish, the first since 1947.
Winning at Churchill Downs was just one of Mystik Dan’s admirable achievements this year. He looked on course to complete the Triple Crown as he battled it out for victory in the Preakness Stakes as well. However, he ultimately was pipped to glory and finished in second, before finishing down in eighth in the Belmont.
Thorpedo Anna
Thorpedo Anna has dazzled fans with her consistent brilliance in 2024. Her crowning moment came during the Breeders’ Cup Distaff, where she delivered an effortless victory over a strong field. The three-year-old filly, trained by Kenny McPeek and ridden by Brian Hernandez Jr., took control from the start and finished with a commanding 2 ½-length lead over Raging Sea. This $2 million (around £1.57m) win capped off her remarkable season, with her earnings touching $3,653,050 (£2,867,279).