There’s nothing quite like the thrill of horse racing, especially if you’re attending in person and watching the one you’ve backed as it speeds past the finishing post in first position. And there has been an increasing demand for games themed around horse racing too.

With this in mind, let’s take a look at games which feature virtual hoof beats and fantasy races, aiming to capture a little of what makes horse racing such a popular sport internationally.

Frankie Dettori's Magic Seven

Given the huge growth in video slots over the last decade or so, largely thanks to the massive rise in popularity of online casinos, it’s hardly surprising to find that game developers have taken the theme of horse racing as inspiration. One such game is Frankie Dettori’s Magic Seven by PlayTech, which pays homage to the iconic Italian jockey and his euphoric success at Ascot.

Featuring video footage of Dettori’s historic wins, this popular slot is one of more than 1,000 games available to play at Lucky Days, and given the positive feedback received, online casino review site Irishluck has known this grand selection of games is one of the biggest attractions. They have also praised the excellent site presentation, gameplay and bonuses on offer.

Starters Orders Classic

Clearly huge fans of anything related to speeding around a racetrack, indie developer Strategic Designs Limited have been making horse racing themed games for many years. Despite the success of their Starters Orders game series, which now features 3D and even virtual reality gameplay options, due to popular demand, they released a simplified "Classic" version in 2020.

Not everyone has a super gaming rig or virtual reality headgear, therefore the simplified 2D version offers less intensive yet equally beautiful graphics. What’s more, the horse racing simulation core of the game is maintained. Players can do everything from breed and train their virtual horses, race them through jump or flat seasons, plus lots more.

Glory Horse Racing

As one of the most recent releases to hit the gaming industry in 2020, Glory Horse Racing is a labour of love being developed by a small developer called Equilon, currently available via Steam Early Access. While this offering is perhaps less realistic in terms of the simulation elements, it still puts players in the saddle of managing their own stable of horses, trainers and jockeys.

There’s also an action element which gives the game an arcade-like feel, whereby players can earn bonus rewards to improve performances, hence allowing them to use more skill and have a greater influence on the outcome of races. Still in early access and the latter stages of development, this will certainly be one to watch for lovers of equestrian games.

Although there's a fairly limited selection of great horse racing themed games, these three offerings are fine examples that they do indeed exist. Well worth trying and enjoying, when looking for some virtual racing fun.