Key Moments:
- Total racecourse attendance reached 4.109 million for the first nine months of 2025, up 4.9% from 2024
- Total betting turnover by the end of Q3 2025 dropped 4.2% year-on-year and is 12.8% below 2023 levels
- Core fixture field sizes have declined, while premier meetings remain stable or show modest gains
Attendance Rises While Betting Lags
British horseracing’s third quarter report reveals a divided recovery, as live attendance and traffic are on the rise even as betting activity continues to retreat. According to figures from the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), the first nine months of 2025 saw a total attendance of 4.109 million, a 4.9% increase over the 3.918 million who attended during the same period in 2024. The average attendance per event grew 5.3% at premier fixtures and 4.4% at core events.
The BHA attributes this upturn to favorable weather, a national campaign titled “The Going Is Good” started in May, and renewed racecourse promotional efforts. Television engagement has also trended upward, with Royal Ascot drawing five million viewers over five days and achieving a 20% increase in viewership on its final day compared to last year.
British racing is on an unsustainable course.
Foal crops are falling, crowds are thinning, betting is weakening, and the Racing Tax would only deepen the strain. Change is badly needed. pic.twitter.com/2gCoP15tLH
— Racing Post (@RacingPost) October 27, 2025
Downward Trend in Betting Turnover
While crowds have returned, betting patterns suggest a growing disconnect between attendance and wagering. Through the third quarter of 2025, total betting turnover fell 4.2% year-on-year and stands 12.8% below figures recorded in 2023. The average betting turnover per race declined 5.8% compared to 2024 and 11.4% versus 2023.
An analysis of the data indicates that bettors are concentrating more of their activity on high-profile events. At premier meetings, average turnover per race increased 2.7%, while core fixtures experienced an 8.6% decrease. According to the report, this growing divide is fueled in part by affordability checks, which have decreased participation from higher-spending customers and shifted activity toward major events with more casual bettors.
Variations in Field Sizes
Field sizes across different types of fixtures highlight more nuanced trends within the sport. Premier flat meetings averaged 10.97 runners, edging up from 10.79 in 2024, and jump meetings remained nearly unchanged at 9.93 runners compared to last year’s 9.97. However, core events demonstrated contraction, with flat races averaging 8.54 runners (down from 8.78) and jumps at 7.63 (down from 8.52).
The report links these variations to several factors, including reduced rainfall, an additional 98 races following fewer cancellations, and a reduced horse population nationwide. These factors are putting pressure on the depth and competitiveness of the racing fields.
Ongoing Industry Adjustments
Beyond attendance and wagering, the report discusses broader efforts to reshape the sport’s direction. Debate over proposed financing changes has stirred reactions from within the industry, including an open letter signed by 363 racing professionals voicing concern regarding the impact of tax reforms on funding.
September marked the introduction of a new environmental initiative, launched by the Racing Foundation, with goals focused on carbon reduction, water preservation, waste minimization, and long-term ecosystem protection across a five-year agenda.
Data Indicates New Patterns of Engagement
Recent figures suggest British horseracing is regaining public engagement through live experiences and television rather than increased gambling. Attendance is climbing, audience engagement is on the mend, and broadcast reach remains robust. However, the decline in overall betting turnover highlights a transition in how fans interact with the sport financially.
With regulatory pressures and evolving social expectations, the industry now faces a crucial question: can it translate higher attendance numbers into a rebound in betting, or is this signaling a lasting shift in audience behavior?
British Horseracing 2025 Q3 Key Metrics
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Attendance (Jan-Sept) | 4.109 million | 3.918 million | +4.9% |
| Average Crowd Size – Premier Fixtures | — | — | +5.3% |
| Average Crowd Size – Core Fixtures | — | — | +4.4% |
| Total Betting Turnover (YTD Q3) | — | — | -4.2% YoY |
| Turnover vs. 2023 | — | — | -12.8% |
| Avg. Turnover per Race – Premier Meetings | — | — | +2.7% |
| Avg. Turnover per Race – Core Fixtures | — | — | -8.6% |
| Average Runners – Premier Flat | 10.97 | 10.79 | +0.18 |
| Average Runners – Core Flat | 8.54 | 8.78 | -0.24 |
| Average Runners – Premier Jumps | 9.93 | 9.97 | -0.04 |
| Average Runners – Core Jumps | 7.63 | 8.52 | -0.89 |
- Author
Daniel Williams
