Horse racing remains highly popular worldwide, with a significant following, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom, where massive Grade 1 events draw millions of enthusiasts. However, horse racing also occurs on a smaller scale globally, including in countries like Thailand.
In recent years, the sport has experienced a resurgence in Thailand, attracting an increasing number of fans who visit their local tracks to witness the nation’s top equine talents. Betting on horse racing plays a pivotal role in driving its popularity, you can click here to read more about horse betting in Thailand. Additionally, you can explore the sport’s history and discover more about its prominent races in the following sections
Horse racing was introduced in Thailand relatively late compared to many other parts of the world, with the first races taking place in the late 19th century. Its peak in popularity occurred during the mid-20th century, but this success waned rapidly. Nevertheless, horse racing remains a highly favored event in Thailand and serves as an excellent networking opportunity for regular attendees.
The inaugural horse race in Thailand was organized in 1897 following King Chulalongkom’s European visit. Two primary facilities were established to host racing events: the Royal Bangkok Sports Club, established in 1901, and the Royal Turf Club, founded in 1916.
The Royal Bangkok Sports Club (RBSC) is Thailand’s foremost horse racing venue. It is the country’s inaugural racecourse and is home to one of the oldest golf courses globally. Racing commenced at the site in 1903, with subsequent additions of various sports events to its calendar.
Horse racing is a focal point of the RBSC, representing the sole public-accessible event on its roster. Races are conducted at the track every two weeks, serving as the club’s primary source of regular revenue. Race days take place on Sundays, with the first race commencing at noon. Among the most prominent races featured at the RBSC are the King’s Cup, the Chakri Cup, and the Queen’s Cup.
In 1916, the Royal Turf Club was established, adding competition to the horse racing scene in Thailand. However, unlike the Royal Bangkok Sports Club (RBSC), this venue didn’t achieve the same level of success. This became evident in 2018 when the club was closed and transformed into the King Rama IX Memorial Park. Despite this, the Royal Turf Club had its moments of glory, with members of the royal family frequently attending events held at the venue. The Derby Cup, first awarded in 1916, remains one of the most significant races on the Thai racing calendar.
One of the primary objectives of the Royal Turf Club was to promote horse breeding, leading board members to acquire fillies from Australia and England to enhance competition on the track. However, as horse racing experienced a gradual decline during the 20th century, attendance at the track dwindled to just 5,000, a significant drop from the previous attendance peak of 30,000.
Some of the most significant races on the Thai schedule still remain in place today, indicating the sport’s ongoing success. The majority of racegoers are from an older demographic, as surveys reveal that the typical age of a Thai race attendee falls between 45 and 80 years old. Attending a race day remains an enjoyable experience, with visitors having access to food vendors and the means to stay hydrated throughout the event.
Overall, three significant races are staged in Thailand every year, with the most prestigious being the Derby Cup, which takes place annually in January. Meanwhile, the most lucrative race to be staged in Thailand is the Presidents Cup, which is staged in June. The annual final big race on the calendar is the Ram Raghav Cup, staged in November.
Horse racing continues to be embraced by visitors in Thailand, but the dwindling attendance would be a concern for its long-term success. Still, six active racecourses host regular racing action on track, including Udon Thani, Chang Mai, and Nakhon Ratchasima.
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