Horse racing is a unique sport that has been kind of locked in for years, especially for casual spectators like you and me. When you think about it, you can go to the nearest park, get a ball to kick, and see what it is like to be a soccer player, or play some hoops on the nearby basketball court.
But for horse racing enthusiasts, getting a real riding or racing experience is a bit difficult. After all, not everyone can go to a nearby stable and get to ride a thoroughbred horse. But this is where horse racing games come in handy.
Now, since we talk about horse racing games, we first need to address the elephant in the room. The reality is that there aren’t many horse racing games, at least not as many compared to other mainstream sports.
However, this doesn’t mean that it is an empty desert. There are some racing jewels that can give you the full racing experience, from breeding to training and racing.
So, which are the best horse racing games to play in 2025?
1. Rival Stars Horse Racing (Mobile, PC)
Let’s start with the most popular game – Rival Stars Horse Racing. This is the best horse racing game, but not for the reasons you might think.
First of all, Rival Stars Horse Racing isn’t the most realistic horse racing game on the market, or the one that dives deepest into the industry (with features). So, why is it in the first place, and played by millions of people?
Updates! This is one of the most updated horse racing games on the market, which means that it is constantly changing; new features, tasks, and quests are introduced, and the new content makes the game more exciting to play.
The graphics might be a bit cartoonish, but the features and gameplay are quite realistic. The game comes with many mechanics like breeding, training, and online racing, which are quite good.
On top of that, you can manage your strategy, stamina, and style. Plus, the game comes with plenty of customization options, which means that you can customize your stable when you don’t want to go racing.
2. Phar Lap (PS4/5, Xbox)
Phar Lap: Horse Racing Challenge is the best for console players. No other horse racing game gets close in terms of graphics, features, and mechanics.
This is quite explainable since we are talking about a game made by the same developers as Rival Stars.
But with this game, they’ve decided to go for more realistic graphics and fewer mini-games and customization options. In other words, Phar Lap is more focused on breeding, training, and racing – just like the real horse racing industry.
3. Photo Finish LIVE (Web, NFT-based, Web3 Integration)
This is a game where you can own virtual horses, participate in races, and win real money. But before you think “ah…another NFT scam,” this is a popular game with more than $20 million in horse sales, $15 million in race purses, and $40 million in race prizes.
So, if you like to get the full racing experience, plus get a chance to win some money, this is the game for you. Plus, they are an official partner of the Kentucky Derby, so it’s not just a small game that nobody has ever heard of.
Since real money is involved, you should understand everything about horse racing, including horse racing betting. You need to understand what do the odds mean in horse racing, how to handicap, and how to train a winning horse.
Alright, this one’s for the blockchain crowd. Photo Finish LIVE is part game, part digital racetrack, and part virtual horse economy. You can own, breed, train, and race NFT horses.
Unlike many “earn-to-play” games, this one’s not scammy or half-baked. If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a Derby winner without the $5 million price tag, this game lets you live it—just digitally.
Best for: Web3 believers, crypto-savvy gamers, and digital horse owners who want skin (or tokens) in the game.
4. Winning Post 10 (PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch)
You know how Football Manager has a cult following of spreadsheet-loving fans? Well, Winning Post 10 is that, but for horse racing nerds.
This Japanese-developed series goes deep. We’re talking decades of bloodlines, racing calendars, retirement decisions, and complex training strategies. It’s not flashy. It’s not quick. But if you’re the type who knows what a withers measurement is and wants to simulate 30 racing seasons into the future, this is your happy place.
Pro tip: There’s an English fan-patch community that’s made this far more accessible globally in 2025.
This game is more suited for hardcore sim fans, breeders at heart, and people who love deep management gameplay more than flashy race scenes.
5. Horse Racing Manager 2025 (Mobile, PC)
If you don’t have time to ride but still want to run the show, Horse Racing Manager 2025 lets you step into the owner’s box. You scout horses, hire jockeys, manage budgets, and make all the high-stakes decisions while watching races unfold.
It’s streamlined and slick, and its 2025 update introduced real-time multiplayer leagues, where you compete in tournaments with other racing managers worldwide.
If you like fantasy sports, then this is the game for you.
6. Star Stable Online (PC, Mac)
Yes, it’s technically more of an MMO for younger audiences, but Star Stable continues to thrive in 2025. And with its newer “Pro Riding” expansion, it’s not just for tweens and horse girls anymore.
You can race, explore open-world environments, customize your horse to absurdly specific levels, and even take part in seasonal competitions and social events.
It’s more fantasy than realism, but it nails the feeling of bonding with your horse—and sometimes, that’s all you need.
This is a game that is perfect for chill gamers, casual riders, and anyone who wants a big, horsey sandbox with good vibes.
