Last Updated on 22 April, 2024
Video games have been around for a long time and in different genres. Horse racing, of course, is no exception. The first video game to feature horse racing is considered “Derby Day”, which came about in the days of the Commodore 64 and Spectrum computers. In this article, we will take a look at the best horse racing games in 2024.
Following the development of the arcade game “Final Furlong,” the next big development in horse racing games was “Gallop Racer.” The game materialized in the 1990s but never caught on outside of Japan, leaving it to the “G1 Jockey” franchise, a fully-fledged console game, to deliver for horse racing game fans.
One of the biggest innovations in horse racing games has been the development of games for consoles with motion controls. This means games such as “Champion Jockey – G1 Jockey and Gallop Racer.”
The Best Games for Horse Racing Fans
Below is the list and description of the best horse racing games in 2024:
Champion Jockey – G1 Jockey and Gallop Racer
“Champion Jockey – G1 Jockey and Gallop Racer” is a straightforward game in which you’re trying to make it as a champion jockey each year. If you’re looking for simple, exciting horse racing action and a taste of what life is like for a jockey, this game provides it.
There’s even something of a story, as you start in the final stages of an apprenticeship before making a debut as a jockey. You begin at the low level and, as you earn points, can negotiate for better horses. The game is also very realistic in the sense that different horses have different behaviors, so jockeys must learn these and how to make the most of them if they’re to ride their horses to victory.
Melbourne Cup Challenge
“Melbourne Cup Challenge,” is excellent for any horse racing fan who wants to expand their knowledge of the sport. Thanks to the game’s different modes, you can be a punter, which is a good opportunity to study the sport and learn to bet on horse racing, or be the jockey or the horse owner.
One of the most interesting modes is the Season mode, which allows you to own horses and breed them. Your objective is to improve the horses’ stats until they can race for multiple seasons and compete in major horse races. If you’re after something a little more hands-on or closer to the thrill of the sport, choose the Betting Party and Jockey Mode.
Rival Stars Horse Racing
“Rival Stars Horse Racing” is a relatively new game in the horse racing genre, having been out only since 2020, but it has become popular. The game offers you the chance to ride competitively, breed horses for competition and to even just take horses out for a cross country ride to train.
One of the best things about the game is the multiplayer mode. You can play this in Story mode, which gives you access to four different locations, or online in locations based on famous horse racing locations across the world. If you’re into betting but only want the excitement and not the risk of losing, you can choose the game’s virtual betting option for races and earn rewards. It’s another superb opportunity to learn about horse racing for real life wagering.
Phar Lap: Horse Racing Challenge
“Phar Lap: Horse Racing Challenge” is another fantastic horse racing game that offers you the choice of being either a punter, a jockey or breeder, although there is something more of a focus on the jockey aspect of horse racing than on breeding or training horses. Generally, the game is a one-player game, but offers options to play with up to eight players in the virtual betting and online real-time racing modes.
The cinematic graphics of “Phar Lap: Horse Racing Challenge!” make the game a joy to play and visually very appealing. It’s one of the standout games in the genre because of them and because of gameplay and virtual betting modes that place you where the action is.
Starters Orders 7
The “Starters Orders” franchise is a long-running one and its seventh installment is one of the best. The game is a management simulation game and, as well as offering historical data about horse lineage, even boasts old-school features such as newspaper style race and form cards to help you make decisions.
It’s not all management, however. You can ride, train, breed or bet on horses as well. You can even race against legends from the past or in fields of up to 40 runners. It’s one of the most realistic horse racing games out there.
Conclusion
As you can see from the above, there are several good games you can play if you’re into horse racing or even if you’re just into sport in general. If these games don’t take your fancy, other good ones you might wish to try include “Gallop Racer 2006,” which is a reboot of the original game, or alternative instalments in the “Starters Orders” franchise.
