Memorable Horse Racing Video Game Titles

So, you want to play some horse racing games? Well, let me tell you, there isn’t much of a choice. Hate to start the article on a depressing note, but that’s the reality.

Over the years, we’ve seen only a handful of horse racing games, and not all of them were great. But, some that do manage to survive have turned into absolute jewels that horse racing enthusiasts like you and me would love.

We are talking about games that will give you a deep dive into the Sport of Kings. From becoming a racehorse owner to handling finances, stable management, and breeding, these games are perfect if you want to learn more about the sport.

Yes, horse racing is a lot more than you might think. We only see 2 minutes of the action in a race like the Kentucky Derby, but it usually takes years of preparation just for those 2 minutes of glory.

So, the question is, which games are perfect if you want to become a racehorse owner? And which of the horse racing games left the biggest impact on the community?

Gallop Racer

We start with an old title, but a very important one. Gallop Racer was one of the first and probably the most detailed horse racing games that the world has ever seen. The game was released in 1996 by Tecmo (a well-known game developer in the horse racing niche).

This wasn’t just a game. This was the first opportunity that fans had to become a professional racehorse owner or a jockey.

With this game, players can buy, train, and race their own horses. Plus, the game had many features like stamina management and other things.

The graphics? Well, not so good, but since we are talking about a game released in the 90s, this shouldn’t surprise us. But they improved the graphics quite a lot by Gallop Racer 2006, and the series has evolved quite a lot.

Sadly, they’ve discontinued this game, but Tecmo now has many other games in its portfolio.

Phar Lap: Horse Racing Challenge

Now we move to more modern games that actually feel like they come from this century. Phar Lap: Horse Racing Challenge is a game named after the legendary Aussie racehorse, and it is developed by the biggest Koei Tecmo competitors – PikPok.

This game is the real deal. You have jaw-dropping graphics (okay, maybe not as good as RDR2), plenty of game modes, and the game actually goes deep into creating the entire story around racehorse ownership.

It is available on PS4, Xbox, and PC, and you get to manage your own stable, breed foals, and race against up to eight players online.

So, if you want a good-looking game with plenty of options, this one is perfect for you.

Winning Post

The Winning Post series, which was started by Koei in 1993, is the longest-running horse racing video game series that still pumps out titles. We had the latest Winning Post 10 2024, and the Winning Post 2025 is coming this year.

So, if you are currently checking the Kentucky Derby 2025 live odds and you want an accurate simulation to recreate the Derby, this is the game for you.

To be honest, this is the most complete horse racing game on the market. You have decent graphics and plenty of features like buying or breeding your own horse, training your horse, and even crafting equine dynasties with detailed genetics. Just like in the real world.

But there is a problem. This game is released only in Japanese. Yes, the latest couple of versions of the game were only aimed at the Japanese market. So, if you don’t want to play the game in Japanese, your only option is to play Winning Post 7.

Starters Orders

For the stat nerds, Starters Orders is a love letter to horse racing simulation. Launched in the early 2000s, Starters Orders 7 (released in 2020) is the crown jewel, available on PC and Mac.

Breed horses with pedigrees tracing back a century, train them, and race on global tracks—flat or jumps. It’s got VR support, realistic commentary, and newspaper-style race cards. Gamers on Steam praise its complexity, with one review saying, “I’ve spent 200 hours and still haven’t bred a Triple Crown winner!” It’s unforgettable for its brainy, immersive grind.

Rival Stars Horse Racing

Let’s not sleep on Rival Stars Horse Racing, which debuted on mobile in 2019 before hitting PC and consoles. Developed also by PikPok, it’s a gorgeous mix of racing and ranch life.

You inherit a rundown stable, breed adorable foals, and race on cinematic courses—think Swiss Alps or neon-lit nights. The catch? It’s got some pay-to-win vibes, but the visuals and story (restoring your granddad’s legacy) keep players hooked.

With a 93% positive rating on Steam from nearly 4,000 reviews, it’s a memorable underdog that galloped into our hearts.

Bonus Round: Melbourne Cup Challenge

Okay, one more for the nostalgia crowd: Melbourne Cup Challenge (2006). Released on PS2, Xbox, and PC, this Aussie-flavored title let you play as jockey, owner, or punter, chasing the famous Melbourne Cup.

It had high-quality graphics for its time and modes like Betting Party for quick thrills. It’s not as polished as today’s games, but it’s a cult classic. Fans still reminisce about its quirky charm and realistic feel. A hidden gem that deserves a victory lap!

Which of these games would you like to play? Let us know.