One of the best ways to experience what is like to become a jockey is to download a realistic horse racing video game that will put you in the shoes of a professional racehorse owner, a trainer, and a jockey.
Let’s get one thing straight from the start, horse racing games and not that popular, at least compared to other niches in the gaming industry, which is why we don’t have many games to choose from.
The demographic of horse racing is actually older people who don’t really play games. However, over the years, some game-developing companies managed to create a jewel of a game that will teach you more about the sport.
So, in today’s article, we’ve selected some of the best gaming titles you should try if you want to learn more about the sport and see what is like to become a racehorse owner.
Top Horse Racing Games to Try
Rival Stars: Horse Racing
Developer: PikPok
Release Date: 2020
Experience the thrill of horse ownership and management in Rival Stars: Horse Racing. This game puts you in the shoes of a horse trainer, allowing you to own a racing horse.
It is easily one of the most popular games at the moment that is available on every console, PC, and even mobile phone.
From breeding and training to jockey selection and strategic race-day decisions, every aspect of the horse racing world is at your fingertips. With stunning graphics and a captivating storyline, Rival Stars: Horse Racing offers an immersive and realistic gaming experience.
On top of that, being a relatively newer game, the graphics are quite good and the mechanics of the horse races are also realistic.
Champion Jockey G1
Developer: Tecmo Koei
Release Date: 2011
Here we have a horse racing simulator video game that first was released for PS3, Xbox 360, and Wii. And for that time, this game offered a quite realistic horse racing experience.
Champion Jockey G1 offers simple-to-use controls, making it accessible even for casual players.
There are three game modes you can choose from, and on top of that, you can train your own horses, create your own unique winning strategy and dominate the races.
Last but not least, the game features real-life events like the Louisville Derby and the Jockey’s Cup and more than 10,000 different race tracks.
Starters Orders 7
Developer: Strategic Designs Ltd
Release Date: 2018
Prepare for an all-encompassing horse racing experience with Starters Orders 7. This game puts you in charge of owning, training, and racing your horses in a realistic simulation.
In “Starters Orders 7,” players have the opportunity to manage and train a stable of racehorses. The game offers a wide range of features and gameplay elements, including horse breeding, training, race planning, jockey selection, and financial management.
Players can breed and acquire horses, each with their own unique attributes and potential. The training aspect of the game involves creating workout routines, monitoring fitness levels, and developing the skills and abilities of your horses. Effective training and careful race planning are crucial for success.
The game includes an extensive race calendar featuring various race types, distances, and surfaces. As a player, you can select which races to enter your horses into, taking into account factors such as their fitness, suitability to the track conditions, and competition level.
Financial management is also an important aspect of “Starters Orders 7.” Players need to make strategic decisions regarding race entries, horse purchases and sales, breeding, and investments in training facilities. The financial success of your stable plays a role in your overall progress and reputation within the game.
“Starters Orders 7” strives to provide a comprehensive and realistic horse racing experience, with detailed statistics, accurate race simulations, and a deep level of strategy and decision-making. The game is typically available on PC platforms and offers a high level of customization and depth for horse racing enthusiasts.
Winning Post 10
Developer: Koei Tecmo
Release Date: 2023
Here we have the latest addition to the world of horse racing gaming, with a franchise that is 30 years old. The Winning Post series celebrates its 30th anniversary, with a great game that is perfect for horse racing enthusiasts.
Being the latest game in this category, Winning Post 10 features more realistic graphics and horse mechanics than any other game so far.
Since we are talking about a horse simulation game, you probably already know that you can also breed horses, train them, win big races, and earn prestige.
In other words, this game lets you become an owner, a breeder, and a jockey in the Sport of Kings. It is a great game that everyone should try, and the 9/10 star reviews on Steam prove that it is a game that has a lot to offer.
Gallop Racer
Developer: Tecmo
Release Date: 1996 (last edition was in 2017)
“Gallop Racer” is a series of horse racing simulation games developed and published by Tecmo, primarily for PlayStation consoles. The series has seen several installments over the years, with each game offering an immersive and realistic horse racing experience.
In “Gallop Racer,” players take on the role of a jockey and compete in various races against computer-controlled opponents. The games often feature a wide range of race types, including flat racing, steeplechase, and turf races, among others. The objective is to guide your horse to victory by managing its speed, stamina, positioning, and racing tactics.
One of the notable features of the “Gallop Racer” series is its emphasis on breeding and training horses. Players can breed their own horses, aiming to create superior bloodlines with desirable traits and characteristics. Training and development are essential to improving a horse’s performance, and players must manage factors such as fitness, skill progression, and race preparation.
The games typically offer extensive customization options, allowing players to create and personalize their jockeys, horses, and racing silks. Additionally, “Gallop Racer” often includes a career mode, where players can progress through various racing circuits, earn money, and build a successful stable.
The “Gallop Racer” series has been praised for its realistic graphics, detailed horse models, and immersive gameplay. It aims to capture the excitement and strategy of real-world horse racing, providing an enjoyable experience for fans of the sport.
It’s worth noting that the specific features and mechanics may vary between different entries in the “Gallop Racer” series, as each installment may introduce new gameplay elements and improvements.
Horse Racing Derby Quest
Developer: PLAYTOUCH
Release Date: 2018
“Horse Racing Derby Quest” is a mobile game that focuses on the experience of horse racing. In this game, players take on the role of a horse racing jockey and participate in various races and challenges.
The objective of “Horse Racing Derby Quest” is to train and race horses to win championships and become successful jockeys. Players typically start with a basic horse and gradually work their way up by training, improving horse skills, and entering races.
The game often offers a variety of race types, including sprint races, endurance races, and championship events. Players have to navigate the race tracks, manage their horse’s stamina and speed, and make strategic decisions to position themselves for victory.
In addition to racing, “Horse Racing Derby Quest” may include elements of horse care and management. This could involve tasks such as feeding, grooming, and training the horses to enhance their performance. The game may also provide options to breed horses, buy and sell them, and upgrade equipment and facilities.
“Horse Racing Derby Quest” typically features 3D graphics, immersive sound effects, and customizable jockeys and horses. It aims to provide an enjoyable and realistic horse racing experience on mobile devices.
Final Furlong
Developer: Namco
Release Date: 1993
This is an old one. “Final Furlong” is a horse racing arcade game developed and released by Namco in 1997. It was an innovative game for its time, offering a unique racing experience to players.
In “Final Furlong,” players would sit on a simulated horse and use realistic reins and stirrups to control their horse’s movements during the race. The game utilized a motion-sensing system that allowed players to physically lean and sway in their seat to steer their horse left or right, mimicking the actions of a jockey.
The objective of the game was to guide your horse to victory by carefully controlling its speed, stamina, and position within the race. Players would compete against computer-controlled opponents or other players in multiplayer mode.
“Final Furlong” featured vibrant 3D graphics, immersive sound effects, and a variety of racecourses with different themes and challenges. The game aimed to provide an engaging and realistic horse racing experience within the arcade setting.
Horse Racing Manager 2023
Developer: Third Time, Inc
Release Date: 2023
Horse Racing Manager 2023 is another popular horse racing management game that gives you a chance to run your stable. You can buy and sell horses, hire jockeys and create breeding programs. The game has over 5,000 racecourses and a variety of horse breeds to choose from.
In “Horse Racing Manager,” players are responsible for tasks such as breeding and training horses, managing finances, hiring jockeys and trainers, entering races, and making race-day decisions. The game often offers a wide range of customization options, allowing you to select and develop your horses, choose racing strategies, and compete in different types of races.
The primary goal of “Horse Racing Manager” is to build a successful and profitable horse racing stable. This involves carefully managing resources, developing and improving the skills of your horses, and making strategic decisions to increase your chances of winning races and gaining recognition in the horse racing world.
These types of games often provide a realistic simulation of the horse racing industry, incorporating factors such as horse attributes, track conditions, jockey abilities, and competition from other stables. They may also include features like breeding programs, auction houses for buying and selling horses, and the ability to participate in prestigious racing events.
Derby Owners Club
Developer: Sega AM3
Release Date: 1999
“Derby Owners Club” (DOC) is a horse racing simulation arcade game developed and published by Sega. It offers players the experience of owning, training, and racing virtual horses in a competitive environment.
In “Derby Owners Club,” players start by creating their own horse racing stable. They have the opportunity to select and purchase horses, each with their own unique attributes and potential. The game often provides a variety of horse breeds to choose from, and players can consider factors such as lineage, pedigree, and performance history when making their selections.
Once players have acquired their horses, they are responsible for their training and care. The game includes features such as feeding, grooming, and exercising the horses to improve their fitness and abilities. Training regimens can be tailored to focus on specific skills, such as speed or stamina, to maximize the horse’s potential.
In addition to the horse management aspect, “Derby Owners Club” also allows players to participate in races. The game typically offers a variety of race types, tracks, and conditions, providing a diverse racing experience. Players can choose the races to enter their horses into, analyze competition, and make strategic decisions during the races.
“Derby Owners Club” often utilizes a card system to enhance gameplay. These cards may provide temporary boosts or advantages during races, allowing players to strategically influence the outcomes.
One notable feature of “Derby Owners Club” is its online connectivity. Players can connect their arcade machines to a central server, enabling them to compete against other players in real-time races, compare records, and participate in online tournaments.
“Derby Owners Club” aims to provide an immersive and realistic horse racing experience within the arcade setting, combining strategic management with thrilling races. The game’s emphasis on breeding, training, and online competition sets it apart from other horse racing games.
Please note that “Derby Owners Club” has seen multiple iterations and updates over the years, with each version introducing new features and improvements to the gameplay experience.
Final Words
If you’re a horse racing enthusiast seeking an immersive gaming experience, these horse racing games are sure to satisfy your craving for excitement.
Whether you aspire to own and train champion horses, ride as a jockey in prestigious races, or manage your own horse racing stable, these games offer a range of features and challenges to keep you engaged.
