Horse racing as a sport has always been associated with money. Watching significant horse racing events with millions of dollars as a prize purse makes you wonder how much money people involved in the sport are making.
If you look at who owns and invests in the horse racing industry, we can build a list of popular A-list celebrities and wealthy entrepreneurs, so why can’t we invest?
Isn’t investing money into a sport like horse racing a good idea?
Well, the horse racing industry is massive, and there are many different areas in which you can invest. However, not everyone in horse racing makes money! It is a very unpredictable sport where you can have exhilarating triumphs and costly mistakes that can make the entire process unprofitable.
Therefore, investing in this fast-paced industry involves knowledge, diversification, analyzing risks, and understanding the market.
In today’s article, we will talk more about horse racing investments. How to invest correctly, things to avoid, and some pro tips from people already in the industry.
Understanding the Market
In recent years, the horse racing industry has been booming. Let’s take 2022, for example. The horse racing market was valued at around $400 billion and is projected to double its value by 2030.
The industry projects an impressive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.89%, and the United States leads the race and is a significant contributor to the overall growth of the industry.
Additionally, the impact of the horse racing industry on the global economy is massive. The industry contributes a staggering $122 billion annually to the U.S. economy and employs nearly 2 million people.
So, what do these numbers suggest?
Well, first of all, there is a lot of money involved in the sport, and since horse racing has an upward trajectory, it might be a good idea to invest in the sport.
How to Invest in the Horse Racing Industry？
As we mentioned, you can invest in the horse racing industry in many different ways. From owning a horse through betting, end equity stakes, or partnerships, the choice is up to you.
Let’s explore some of the most popular ways to invest in horse racing.
Owning a Racehorse
- Direct Ownership: Experience the thrill of the race up close by owning a racehorse outright.
- Racing Syndicates: Join forces with other enthusiasts in a syndicate to share the costs and joys of horse ownership.
Betting and Wagering
- Traditional Betting: Start a betting career and become a professional handicapper.
Race Track Investment
- Equity Stakes: Purchase shares in horse racing tracks to gain a slice of the action and revenue.
- Partnerships: Partner with existing tracks for a more hands-on investment experience.
Technology and Data Analytics
- Data Analytics Firms: Invest in companies specializing in horse racing analytics for insights and competitive advantages.
- Betting Applications: Capitalize on the digital wave by investing in mobile betting apps that cater to the tech-savvy punter for events such as the 2024 Kentucky Derby.
Breeding and Training
- Breeding Farms: Support the birth of champions by investing in breeding operations that produce top-quality racehorses.
- Training Facilities: Back the facilities that shape raw talent into racing legends, offering a different angle on the industry’s potential.
Who Owns Racehorses?
Owning a horse might be the first and most attractive investment, especially for horse racing fans. But let’s look at the average racehorse owner and whether or not it is an excellent option to invest in buying your racehorse.
The average age of a racehorse owner is 38, with a significant percentage of owners falling into the 45-59 age bracket. However, millennials also share around 42% of horse ownership, which is quite surprising.
So, how much money do they make? Well, horse racing is a costly business with many ups and downs. On average, around 50% of the owners report an annual income of over $100,000. But many report a loss.
The Costs of Owning a Horse
Investing in horse racing is not for the faint of heart or light of wallet. The average price of a riding horse is around $3,444, but a racehorse can set you back an average of $45,532, with top-tier horses fetching up to $750,000 at auction.
The annual cost of owning a recreational horse in the U.S. is estimated at $7,896, highlighting the significant financial commitment required.
How to Choose the Right Investment?
So, with all these options, which is best for you? Well, it all comes down to personal preference. You should never be guided by money and follow what other people do. The best approach is to invest in something that you are passionate about.
If it is owning a racehorse, then that’s the right path for you. However, before any investment, it is crucial to do your research. As we mentioned a couple of times, horse racing is an unforgiving sport where you can quickly make or lose a lot of money.
