When looking at sports that seem to have some sort of connection, there are many examples throughout the world, such as tennis and padel or baseball and cricket, as they feature so many similar fundamentals. However, two sports that seem to have a fascinating and unique love affair are football and horse racing due to many different reasons! With fans taking advantage of horse racing free bets or football free bets, these connections between the two sports come in many different ways!
Whether it be footballers who own horses, promotional opportunities or even racecourses hosting charity football matches, there are many different reasons for the close bond between the two completely different sports. While football and horse racing are completely different, we are going to look through what joins these two sports together and what has created this great relationship over the decades.
History of the Relationship Between Football and Horse Racing
The relationship between these completely different sports dates back to the early 20th century, with many footballers using their free time to enjoy horse racing, as many of the popular players were also horse racing enthusiasts. Looking back throughout history, some of the earliest connections between the two sports were charity football matches that were held at racecourses, which would not only raise money for charity but would also support football teams and local racecourse venues!
Over time, the relationship continued to grow stronger and stronger, as vital footballing figures helped build the bond between the two sports, with Matt Busby and Sir Alex Ferguson owning racehorses. Especially throughout the past decade and a couple of years, the relationship has flourished, with many football players and managers investing in racehorses and attending prestigious events such as Cheltenham and the Royal Ascot.
The bond between the two sports is only expected to grow as the relationship has become integral to different parts of the sports industry and will likely continue for many years in the future.
Promotional Opportunities For Footballers
With football being one of the most popular sports across the globe, horse racing is particularly popular throughout the United Kingdom and other countries around the world, making the link between them a benefit for both sides. Whilst the sports themselves do have many differences, they both require teamwork, strategy and dedication, whilst there are also many fantastic promotional opportunities for both football players and managers.
One of the reasons why many footballers and managers might get involved in horse racing is for personal brand value! By getting involved in horse racing, they can increase their visibility as they are reaching a new audience, as some horse racing fans might not be fans of football. Footballers or managers can also use their existing fanbase to promote their involvement in horse racing and raise awareness of the sport. Events such as the Cheltenham Festival and the Royal Ascot are great places for footballers to build their brand as they get national coverage throughout England and the United Kingdom.
Another reason why horse racing is so popular among footballers is the networking and joint venture opportunities. Not only does it increase awareness of their engagement by partaking in horse racing, but after retirement, players can find their way into the industry of horse racing by becoming owners or stakeholders!
Alongside looking for new careers after their footballing days, they can also network with jockeys, horse trainers and other influential figures in the business by going to events like the Cheltenham Festival.
Financial Implications of Horse Racing
Whilst the bond between the two sports seems to only have positives, there are a couple of downsides for footballers when it comes to being involved with horse racing. For example, the costs of ownership can be substantial for players and managers as there is the initial purchase of the horse, whilst also ongoing expenses such as training fees, veterinary expenses, feed and board, and insurance. Whilst the potential for earnings can be significant, these costs add up quickly, making owning a racehorse a significant financial commitment.
There is also the chance of racing horses getting injured, which can lead to costly medical treatments, or in dramatic cases, the horse might need to be put down. With these in mind, horse racing ownership can be risky! For those football figures who love the sport, they are willing to take risks in the hope of significant returns or even just for the enjoyment of the sport.
The connection between football and horse racing is a longstanding tradition throughout the United Kingdom and other nations around the world, and it is fueled by several different factors. With shared values of competition and passion, football and horse racing have become intertwined in various ways, from players who have become owners to teams sponsoring races!
