While most will know about the English and Irish racing scene, Scotland’s can often be forgotten about or be overlooked.
Most race enthusiasts or even casual viewers will be able to name certain races that take place in England and Ireland, with the likes of the Cheltenham Festival, the Grand National, Punchestown, and Leopardstown often being easily thought of.
Of course, many of these races are among the top ones in which they get notable TV coverage. As a result, they become popular meets in which many will also look to place bets on to get more out of them. For instance, many will have already been looking up the best offers on Grand National as it is coming around quickly.
However, when tasked with trying to name a Scottish race, some can often come unstuck. Musselburgh is perhaps the most famous of them all, but some who watch the horses will perhaps know more about Ayr and Kelso (notwithstanding Hamilton Park and Perth) than the casual observer.
Scotland’s horse racing industry is huge
Given the five major horse racetracks and the events that take place, it’s perhaps surprising to those who weren’t aware beforehand that Scotland’s horse racing industry is big.
According to recent annual reports, the industry is worth £302 million to the country’s economy. This makes it more valuable than other sectors that many would have thought would have been more lucrative due to their popularity. For instance, the £302 million that is generated from horse racing is greater than the amount that is created from Scotland’s computer game industry (more than three times the £93 million), as well as being more than four times the amount that is obtained by the museum industry in the country.
In addition, it provides a valuable source of employment for many in Scotland. Figures revealed that there are more than 3,400+ jobs being filled in the sector, which is significantly greater than the country’s fishing industry.
If those figures were not enough, perhaps the popularity of the sport goes some way in showing how big it is north of the English border. According to the findings, horse racing is second in terms of spectators, behind football. More people are attending meets at the racetrack than they are going to watch the Scottish national team in the rugby or when watching the golfing events that take place. Spectator figures have risen by more than 10% (10.8%) over the last decade or so (2012), having reached heights of more than 300,000.
Famous Scottish horses, jockeys, and trainers
To further clarify the size of the horse racing industry within Scotland, it can always be a good idea to look at the horses, jockeys, and trainers to have come out of the country and the impact that they have had on the overall sport.
The most notable horse in the recent era would have to be Corach Rambler, who is the current Grand National Champion. The 11-year-old is one of the main favourites to win this year’s event, too, with many having backed it to repeat last year’s performance.
Lucinda Russell is one of the top female trainers, let alone being one of the best from Scotland. She has an excellent stable of horses, with many of them having been winners. Ahoy Senor is one of her best-known alongside Corach Rambler.
Could Scottish racing ever be a real force?
Admittedly, it would seem a big ask for Scottish racing to ever compete with the likes of Ireland and England, but with sport, we never know. A lot can happen, but if Scotland’s industry remains fairly large, it’s always a good thing for horse racing overall.
