Video games have become one of the most popular forms of entertainment in the world. Horse racing has featured in several games.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
In this open-world game, a virtual version of Los Angeles can be explored. There are numerous building interiors that players can enter. Some of these are betting establishments. There are machines for placing wagers on horse races. Players are able to change their bet value. It can range from a few to many thousands of dollars. Once the bet has been set, the horse race plays on the screen.
Grand National
The Grand National is an important event in the equestrian calendar. When the contest is held, betting playing on horse racing increases across the country. In 1985 a game based on the Grand National was released for the ZX Spectrum. Players take control of a jockey and horse. The goal is to race across Aintree Racecourse and reach first place.
Red Dead Redemption
Horses feature prominently in this best selling western game. There are several missions where players compete in horse races. Rather than taking place on a track, they are raced through open, wild terrain. Early races are done on saddled horses. Later on, horse-drawn carts are introduced. In the online version of the game, players are able to compete against their friends. Winners receive in-game currency.
Skyrim
Skyrim is set in a fantasy world filled with magical creatures. The map is so large that getting around on foot is very time-consuming. Instead, horses can be used as mounts. There is a large modding community for Skyrim that creates new ways to play the game. Some of the mods are focused on horse races. In-game foes such as giant spiders, dragons and trolls are sometimes used as obstacles to make the race more exciting.