There are certain sports that give off that glamorous feeling, and that’s really hard to pull off. It usually requires a lot of money to dress a sport in an expensive robe that attracts millionaires to watch games.
So, when you think of expensive, luxurious, and glamorous sports, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Probably not the UFC, right?
You are thinking about horse racing, tennis, or F1. That’s about it. All of these are prestigious sports, that are somehow reserved for the elite, and often give you that glamorous feeling and make you feel like you are worth one million dollars.
In other sports like soccer, or American football, you go there to shout and cheer for your team, you can take your shirt off, while you chug a beer. Not very prestigious, right?
Well, in horse racing and tennis, we have a different situation. Fans here come for the excitement and thrill of the sport but also worry about fashion, networking, betting, and money in general.
They both have quite a unique fan base, and I think we need more sports like these.
But what is the secret behind their brand image? How can a sport become more glamorous? Well, we have to analyze what makes these events so special.
Why Are Horse Racing Events So Prestigious?
This is a sport that has always been reserved for the elite. Ever since the beginnings of modern-day horse racing in the UK, this sport was attended by the Royal family, rich people, and people from the higher class in society.
During these times, the sport developed certain traditions, that are stuck to this day. Things like fashion, expensive champagne, and huge prize purses make the sport prestigious to this day.
After all, there is a reason why horse racing is often called the “sport of kings”.
We have events like the Kentucky Derby, the Royal Ascot, and the Breeders’ Cup that are much more than just an adrenaline rush. They give you that feeling of socializing with the higher class (even if that’s not the case). In other words, the races are social affairs, where fashion, high stakes, and networking collide.
At the Kentucky Derby, known as “The Run for the Roses,” over 150,000 spectators gather in their finest attire, sipping mint juleps and placing bets. Some estimate the total betting on Derby Day can reach upwards of $150 million!
On the other hand, we have other big events like the Breeders’ Cup that span over two days and 14 races totaling a price purse of $34 million dollars. Plus there are prep races that are just as exciting and used to filter only the best horses in the world.
If you want to learn more about Breeders’ Cup prep races, click the link below: twinspires.com/breeders-cup/prep-races/
Why are people so obsessed with these events? It’s not just about the horses; it’s the whole package—lavish hospitality, gourmet food, and celebrity sightings. Think of it like this: It’s a chance to don your best hat, sip champagne, and bet on a few horses (all while pretending you understand the odds).
The Tennis Scene
With tennis, we have a similar vibe to horse racing. First of all, tennis is an expensive sport, even to practice. Plus, they have sort of similar strategies to horse racing events, where at Wimbledon for example, there is a specific dress code that everyone should follow.
This is one of the oldest and most prestigious tennis events in the world, and it is often described as “the event that makes British summer.” It isn’t just the strawberries and cream or the iconic all-white dress code that sets it apart. With over £50,000,000 (record high) in total prize money for the 2024 champions and attendance figures reaching 500,000, it’s a spectacle.
Wimbledon boasts a certain je ne sais quoi that separates it from other Grand Slam tournaments. Unlike the rowdy atmosphere you might find at the US Open, Wimbledon demands decorum. The Queen herself used to attend, for crying out loud!
So, where does this prestige come from? Well, I think we can break it down into a few different categories. First, we have how expensive is the sport. The more expensive the sport, the more prestigious it feels. Next, we have fashion and etiquette. They might not play an important role in the actual sporting event, but they paint a luxurious picture of the sport.
The Social Event of the Year?
At the heart of it, horse racing and tennis events are about being seen. Whether you’re brushing elbows with the rich and famous at Royal Ascot or watching the finals at Roland Garros, these events are where you go to make connections, flaunt your status, and, yes, catch some world-class sport.
In both horse racing and tennis, there’s this perfect mix of high fashion, fierce competition, and old-money prestige that gives them an irresistible allure. For horse racing, the stakes don’t end at the finish line—gambling is a huge part of the thrill. At the same time, tennis fans soak in every moment of match play between some of the best athletes in the world, but they also revel in the tradition.
