HORSE RACING INSIGHTS

Spectata have pulled together a selection of insights into the sports, that anyone new to the sport may find interesting, and some racing die-hards also!

Second Most Popular UK Sport

Horse racing is the second-most popular spectator sport in the UK, ushering in millions of annual visitors, surpassed only by football in terms of crowd numbers.

Annual Attendance

About 5 million people attend horse racing events in the UK each year. However, attendance has declined from a peak of 5.8 million in 2019, reflecting changing leisure habits and a rise in online betting.

Big Events to Watch

Key events for spectators include:

- Grand National (Aintree, 5 April 2025)

- Epsom Derby (Epsom Downs, 6-7 June 2025)

- Royal Ascot (Ascot, 17-21 June 2025)

- Cheltenham Festival Gold Cup (Cheltenham, March)

Each is a spectacular day out, combining top racing with festive atmospheres

Historic Races

The Carlisle Bell, established in 1599, is the oldest race run under UK rules, still held annually and steeped in tradition.

Famous Racecourses

Aintree, Epsom, and Cheltenham draw huge crowds and add unique character with their courses and traditions. Brighton and Cartmel are quirky alternatives, with Cartmel, for example, rewarding winners with a sticky toffee pudding.

The Grand National’s Thrill

The Grand National at Aintree is known worldwide for its perilous jumps like Becher’s Brook, making it one of the most exciting and most dramatic steeplechases, attracting thrill-seeking crowds each year.

Racing Icons

Legendary horses such as Frankel, Red Rum, Kauto Star, Best Mate, and Arkle have cemented the UK's reputation for thrilling horse races. Their performances and stories still draw fans.

Social Experience

For many racegoers, the social aspect outshines even the racing and betting. Picnics, discussions, celebrations, and dressing up are all part of the festivities.

Not All About Betting

Only 14% of attendees attend solely to bet; most go for the experience, camaraderie, and spectacle.

Flat vs. Jumps

Spectators can enjoy two main racing styles: flat racing (no obstacles) and jumps racing (hurdles, fences). Flat racing dominates the summer, while jumps are popular in winter.

All-Weather Racing

Some courses, like Lingfield, host races on artificial surfaces year-round, regardless of weather conditions, providing more viewing opportunities for fans.

Unique Traditions

Royal Ascot features a royal procession before races, while quirky events can include themed racing days, charity sprints, and even novelty races for mascots or apprentices.

Record-Breaking Speed

Stone Of Folca set a remarkable British record for speed over the minimum race distance of five furlongs, winning the Epsom Dash in just 53.69 seconds in 2012—a thrilling highlight for spectators watching flat racing at the UK’s top courses

Names and Nicknames

Horse race winners join a restricted list so names won't be repeated. The slang “gee gees” for horses hails from Henry Gee, a historic mayor of Chester who was key to early UK racing[7].

We hope that these insights help potential new Spectata's to horse racing appreciate the rich tapestry of UK horse racing, whether attending a legendary festival or a quirky local meet.