Horse racing is one of the most followed sports in the world, meaning that it is little surprise that there is a wide range of podcasts available based on the subject.
That is equally unsurprising given the sheer number of people starting podcasts in this modern day. However, a wide range of options isn’t a negative, as it will only further the options available to a fan of the sport.
Knowledge is king when it comes to racing, as bettors look to find out more about runners on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. You can find out more about the prep series here: twinspires.com/kentuckyderby/road-to-the-derby/
But, what goes into creating a high-quality racing podcast, and what are some of the outstanding options available to fans of the sport?
Rise of Podcasting
Podcasts have become a popular source for gaining information in this modern day, with the shorter form format being preferred by younger demographics.
The sector burst into life in the early 2000s. Apple quickly recognized it in 2004 when the latest iTunes update improved accessibility. However, it wasn’t until 2006 when a career path for podcasters became more apparent, as the commercial success of a show hosted by Ricky Gervais set the world-record for the most downloaded show.
The most notable tipping point came via true-crime show Serial, which saw podcasts gain mainstream and global popularity. Nowadays, all smartphones are compatible to play podcasts, creating a diverse selection of content choices, with some event putting their shows on YouTube in video format, creating somewhat of a television program in the process.
Why Are Racing Podcasts So Popular?
Gathering information is largely the key to a successful podcast, meaning that it is no surprise that racing options have excelled. Information is important for fans of the sport, as it enables bettors to make more knowledgeable selections on big races throughout the year.
Leading shows are able to get desired guests, who drop useful exclusives surrounding the plans with their leading runners. Meanwhile, tipster style shows are also incredibly popular. These do an excellent job of increasing excitement levels ahead of major races in the calendar, with preview nights typically gaining more numbers than most.
However, at the heart of every successful podcast is information, with racing fans always looking for every stat and trend that could impact the chances of a runner in a big race.
Most Popular Racing Podcasts
There is a saturated market for horse racing podcasts in this modern day, with virtually every bookmaker and expert being involved with at least one. However, few are able to offer a more neutral assessment at the latest news on track than Nick Luck Daily.
This shows has world-respected guests daily, with key information surrounding the biggest news stories in the sport on offer to keep avid fans in the loop surrounding key developments. Unlike other offerings, Luck’s podcast focuses heavily on factual information, with limited betting insights on offer.
Therefore, it is typically a podcast that many avid fans will listen to on their commutes to work to ensure that they are up to date with the most important news.
Other popular options include At The races with Steve Byk, and the Final Furlong Podcast. Both of these shows focus more on a betting angle, sharing tips ahead of major weekend races. The Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast is a common favorite among American racing fans, with the host able to get major jockeys and trainers on his show for in-depth and exclusive interviews.
What Makes a Good Racing Podcast?
With a growing number of podcasts entering the racing market weekly, it is easy to argue that only the most informative are able to stand the test of time. Shows that offer the listener something important have the most weight, whether that be an exclusive interview with a leading trainer or jockey, or pinpointing a key demographic targeted at getting the support of bettors.
With the latter, it’s likely that only podcasts with a track record of producing winners on a regular basis will rank high among fans. Although shows that specialise on finding value outsiders may also prove popular, as the vast majority in the sector will typically flag up short-priced values that experts listening could have found by themselves.
Providing relevant information is key to a good racing podcast. As well as this, successful podcasts will also have high-quality sound coverage, ensuring that the listener doesn’t have an unpleasant experience when trying to listen to the show.
Therefore, the vast majority of leading racing podcasts will have state-of-the-art equipment to ensure that they have the best sound quality possible. Being accessible to a listener is also vitally important, with the leading shows regularly available on a weekly basis on platforms such as Spotify and YouTube.
