Horse Racing Results

• The US
• The UK
• Canada
• Singapore Turf Club
• Hong Kong Jockey Club
• South African Racing
• New Zealand
• Australia

In Australia, horse racing is one of the major spectator sports. Along with its offshoot, harness racing, horse racing has a huge gambling market worth billions of dollars. Races are held throughout Australia on a regular basis and large amounts of money are bet on each race.

Origins

Australia is among the major countries where thoroughbred racing is held. Horse racing in Australia has been present since 1834, with the first club being established in 1852. Ever since the European colonies were established here, horse racing has been practised in Australia. Over the years, the number of horse racing clubs and competitions has increased. It has become one of the widely viewed sports in the country. The growth of the sport can be measured by the fact that over $14 billion were wagered on different races in 2010.

Horse Racing in Australia

Harness racing, a variation of horse racing, is also highly popular in the Australia. However, traditional thoroughbred racing is one of the widely followed sports. The viewership is third behind Australian Rules football and rugby. The facilities for horse racing are world class and Australia has more race courses than any other country in the world. Currently, there are two types of horse racing being held in Australia.

• Flat racing

Flat racing is the traditional form of thoroughbred racing. Flat racing requires horses to complete a straight course through and through. There are no obstacles in the way and the jockey has to keep the horse on track.

 

• Steeplechase racing

Steeplechase racing is very different from flat racing. The horses have to jump over fences and hurdles placed throughout the course. The obstacles make the race difficult for horses to complete. Special training is provided to the horses to prepare them for these tracks.

These are the two types of thoroughbred racing conducted in Australia. The third type, harness racing, is considered a separate sport altogether which also has a huge fan following.

Administration & Clubs

Horse racing in Australia is administered by the Australian Racing Board. Every state has its own authority regarding horse racing which is superseded by the national board. There are many famous racing clubs throughout Australia, some of which are known across the world. A few of the best horse racing clubs in Australia are:

• AJC Australian Jockey Club (Randwick and Warwick Farm NSW)
• STC Sydney Jockey Club (Rosehill and Canterbury NSW)
• VRC Victoria Jockey Club (Flemington VIC)
• MRC Melbourne Racing Club (Caulfield and Sandown VIC)
• MVRC Mooney Valley Racing Club (Mooney Valley VIC)
• BRC Brisbane Race Club (Eagle Farm and Doomben QLD)
• SAJC South Australian Jockey Club (Morphettville SA)
• WATC West Australian Turf Club (Ascot and Belmont WA)
• Thoroughbred Park Canberra Racing (ACT)

Famous Jockeys

Australia has produced some of the best jockeys in the world of horse racing. In fact, it was in Australia that jockeys first started using the crouched up style of riding horses. It was developed by Tot Flood and James Barden in the 19^th century. Other famous jockeys from Australia are:

• Harry White
• Bill Williamson
• Edgar Britt
• Roy Higgins
• George T. D. Moore
• Scobie Beasley

Betting on Horse Racing in Australia

Horse racing in Australia attracts bets totalling billions of dollars. There are four ways in which you can bet your money on horse racing.

• On-track betting through licensed bookmakers
• Off-track betting through Totalisator Agency Boards (TABs)
• Online betting
• Illegal betting

The number of horse races held in Australia is one of the highest in the world. If you are looking to bet on horse racing, then you have few better options than Australia. Sports’ betting is now safer than it was ever before. If you want to try, try it now.