RacingBetter News
	Thursday 17th January 2025

Horse Racing Highlights for 2025: What’s on the Horizon?

It would be an understatement to say that horse racing is just another sport. Everything that goes on before, during, and after the race is a remarkable experience enjoyed by royals and commoners alike. Centuries-old events are still around with its rich history and iconic parades. Some races are fixtures on the calendar while others tend to be a one-time shot established as a means of getting the sport closer to the wide audiences. In any case, horse racing became one of the most prestigious events every year.

The most attractive races are always flat races where some of the most amazing thoroughbreds can be seen. True horse racing lovers, however, enjoy other sports too, like jump racing.

An interesting fact is that the genetics of all racing horses can be traced back to three Arabian horses that were brought to Europe in the late 17th century - The Darley Arabian, The Godolphin Arabian, and The Byerly Turk. All three were not built for racing, being light in weight and adapted to endure the heat of the Middle East. They were bred with English horses who were sturdier, heavier, and hence slower in order to get a perfect racing horse. The genetic mixture turned out to be the start of an era of horse racing. Horses were fast, and strong, with stamina and grace. Still, even though they had the same ancestors their build turned out very different. That’s why today we have distinctive categories of horse racing, depending on the type of the horses.

Flat racehorses are muscular weighing around half a ton with impeccable speed, and long strides. It takes time before a horse can start racing which is usually around two years old. They begin their racing careers in juvenile categories and in time advance in some of the most famous races around the world. Flat racehorses sometimes retire early – around four years of age, often due to injuries, but usually, their race lifespan goes all the way to ten years. Race horses reach their peak at the age of five when they are mature enough but still in perfect physical shape.

Jump racehorses are leaner and slower. They also get into racing later, when they reach the age of four or five, but also have much longer careers racing until they are eleven or twelve years old. An interesting fact about the horses’ ages is that every horse born in the same year shares the same birthday, January 1st. Most jump race horses reach their peak at the age of seven to ten.

The colors of the racehorses also vary. Officially there are seven different mixtures: white, which is very rare and is often considered as a grey horse with white hair; black, which is also very rare for a horse to be jet black; brown with mane and tail in the same color; roan is a blanket term for horses that are mixture of white and any other color; chestnut have ginger coat, almost reddish; grey is ranging from white to silver color; and bay which includes every shade of brown going from light beige to almost purely black horse with black mane and tail.

In 2025 there is a range of some of the most amazing studs that are going to be presented at the races. Horse racing betting this year is going to be one of the kids, so don’t miss out on it. Here are some thoroughbreds to keep an eye on.

Ancient Truth

Trained by Charlie Appleby, this racehorse showed that he could be a true rival and possible contender for the title in the upcoming events. Even though his stable-mate is more well-regarded in the racing circles, this horse is something of a special breed. He came second in Dewhurst, losing by only half a length. To be fair, the surface was damp, slippery, and in some places even fully wet, so it seems that Ancient Truth had some trouble getting a grip. However, this horse can do way better if faced with dry conditions putting him in the position of going for the first place.

Acapulco Bay

Another son of Dubawi is definitely worth watching in 2025. The horse is maybe too tame when faced with the horses in front of him and is a bit reluctant to go at full speed when needed. Still, regardless of its immaturity, Acapulco Bay showed great speed at some moments, power, and stamina to run a full race at full speed. Another troublesome point for this horse is that he is too young to realise when he is leading the race and tends to go into an idle mode letting other horses pass him by only to go into full speed again. This only shows that Acapulco Bay has great potential to be one of the best horses but still needs strong direction and control.

Red Letter

In three races Red Letter won one. If you just look at the facts behind the losing races, you’ll see that it was a mixture of bad luck and confusion. She started great from the stable, but this daughter of Frankel was littered with strokes of bad luck. Horses were running eye to eye, being very close to each other not leaving space to pass. Still, there were a few seconds in Curragh when the opening appeared but Red Letter seemed to be too slow to react, missing a chance for the victory. It was beaten for half a length only to finish fourth. It’s quite possible that immaturity played a big role, but her time is yet to come. Red has great speed, orientation, and stamina, and follows quite nicely but some work needs to be done with her reaction speed.

Falling Snow

With an impeccable pedigree, this horse remains an exceptionally exciting prospect. She raced in the juvenile category, and we haven’t seen her since losing one race. Her trainer Donnacha O’Brien said in an interview that she is still young, and has a lot to offer but needs some redirection. Immaturity and confusion are something every young horse goes through in his or her first races, so this was nothing unusual. Being thoroughbred like Falling Snow will certainly make many heads turn and is definitely one of the horses to watch in the next season.

Constitution Hill

If you know nothing about horse racing you probably heard about this horse. At the moment he is the most popular, most loved horse in almost every race. He did have some mishaps but he came back with a vengeance winning first place at Kempton and reclaiming the spotlight. Obviously, one of the biggest names to watch this year, especially if you're looking for sports betting prospects.

Sir Gino

The four-year-old might not be the biggest name in the horse racing sport, but he is for sure one of the studs that deserve a place in front. If we are looking only at 2025, he might do well, probably will, but this is the horse to be watched over several years to come. He certainly possesses all the ability and strength that he needs to be a champion.

The Lion in Winter

At only two years of age, this horse is a force to reckon with. Many experts are keeping a close eye on this one which is a good sign for his racing future. Sure, immaturity and confusion are present, but the speed this horse exhibits is unmatched. Aidan O’Brien claims that he is the next big name in the sport for many years to come if given a chance. In any case, he will be racing this year and we’ll see if he managed to gain focus and stamina to be the next superstar in horse racing.

Crest of Fortune

It took some time for this horse to find the category where he felt the most comfortable. Even though he did have wins in flat racing, the eventual switch to hurdles seems to be working better for him. There’s still some work to be done, but the horse looks comfortable and is running and jumping with ease. Certainly, he is not the biggest name, but he shouldn’t be dismissed either. It just might happen that hurdles are his best chance to leave a mark in the sport.

There are many events throughout the year where you can see all those horses. The calendar is packed with big and small events that produce some of the biggest names in racing. Whether you are just a spectator or a professional in racing, you should try Stake.com to place your bets. The season is going to be spectacular with well-established thoroughbreds as well as some newcomers.

Cheltenham Festival

Starting in early March, Cheltenham Racecourse, Gloucestershire is the best-known jump festival. It goes on for four days starting on the 11th of March, this event is famous for its audience that roars and claps at every good jump. Something louder than most fans are used to, but the atmosphere is something that sets it apart from other championships. If you are just dipping your toes into the sport now, this might be one of the most fun places to expand your horse jumping interests. It’s a historic event that is best known for its relaxed ambiance and great hospitality.

Grand National

May 3rd to May 5th, Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool – mark your calendars. This is a huge event in horse jumping and the horse racing world in general. Even the ones who are interested in flat horse racing only come to be one of the 150,000 people to visit every year. The track is magnificent with unique fences which rile up the public every time.

Boodles May Festival

Right after the Grand National, you can move to Boodles May Festival which is only days after starting on May 7th and lasting for three days. Held in Chester Racecourse, Chester, it’s more of a social event as well as the racing. Over 50,000 people come to see some of the best horses every year and if you’re going to visit one event, it should be this one. It’s a mix of tradition being that the festival is over two hundred years old, and modern day entertainment. The track itself piques the interest of the audience with its sharp turns and short strides. If you’re a true fan there are VIP seats available with additional perks like best views, exclusive hospitality and dining options.

Epsom Derby

Dating back to 1780, this event is the pinnacle of horse racing. It's hosted at the iconic Epsom Downs Racecourse, June 6th-7th. Being one of the oldest championships this event attracts around 100,000 people every year for a reason. The best of the best are coming to race here, so you’ll be able to see the biggest thrills of the horse racing world. If you do, make sure you’re dressed in your finest outfit and on your best royal behavior possible because you might be brushing your elbows with some royals and celebrities. Epsom Derby is not just a horse race – it’s an event that is etched in history every year. Some of the most famous horses raced on the track including Sea the Stars.

Royal Ascot

You must have heard about this one even if you have never seen a horse race in your life. It’s literally in the name – royal, and that’s exactly what it is. June 17th to 21st Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire will be hosting the most famous horse race in the world. This is your chance to see the royal family among 300,000 attendees. While Royal Ascot is jam-packed with incredible racing action, the race meeting also offers guests the chance to socialize and enjoy a luxury day out while watching the best horses from Britain and Ireland on the race track. If you want a full experience, Royal Ascot offers some unique experiences like visiting areas restricted for the general public where you can see horses up close.