Even though we are talking about a racing sport where there are no combustion engines, it doesn’t mean that the horse racing industry has a lower environmental impact than other sports.
In fact, the impact of the horse racing industry is quite big, just because that the sport is heavily saturated in certain places, which means that racing teams along with the horses need to travel thousands of miles to get to an event.
Plus organizing huge events like the Kentucky Derby where close to 200,000 people turn up to watch the horses requires a lot of resources. As a horse racing fan, you are probably more worried about getting your TwinSpires horse racing bonus for a big bet, but we should all be thinking about making horse racing greener.
The good thing is that the horse racing industry is quite forward-thinking when it comes to environmental changes. In fact, it is one of the most advanced sport in terms of implementing strategies that will lower its impact on the planet.
Let’s learn more about what’s changed in the horse racing industry.
What Are the Key Environmental Challenges?
The first thing is water usage. Although racetracks look like they don’t need a lot of work (there are usually dirt tracks) but the surface is quite complex which means that it requires a lot of maintenance, especially water.
This is a big problem, especially in regions where water scarcity is a pressing issue, but we all need to jump on this trend and preserve our water, right? The good thing is that the horse racing industry has implemented many practices that will help stables and racing venues manage their water usage.
Next, we have energy consumption. What do we mean by that? Well, things like lighting, heating, and the electricity needed for the day-to-day running of racecourses add up quickly. Then there’s the fuel required to transport horses, trainers, and spectators.
Let’s not forget about the event and horse waste. Think about all those disposable cups, leftover food, and paper tickets.
What’s Being Done?
So, the big question is what are the things that are being done to help horse racing address these issues? Fortunately, there are a lot of things, such as:
1. Water Conservation
Water is essential for maintaining racecourses, but innovative approaches are helping reduce consumption dramatically:
- Rainwater Harvesting: Some venues, like Ascot Racecourse in the UK, are using rainwater harvesting systems to collect and store water. This harvested water is then used for irrigation and cleaning, significantly lowering the demand on local water supplies.
- Smart Irrigation Systems: Advanced systems equipped with sensors are being deployed to ensure tracks are watered efficiently. These sensors analyze soil moisture levels and weather forecasts to prevent overwatering while maintaining ideal track conditions. For instance, Churchill Downs in the US has implemented similar systems, reducing water wastage by up to 30%.
- Recycled Water Use: Certain tracks are experimenting with recycling wastewater for non-potable uses, such as cleaning stables or maintaining turf.
2. Transitioning to Renewable Energy
Energy consumption in horse racing is substantial, but renewable energy is changing the game:
- Solar Power Installations: Major venues like Newmarket and Cheltenham have installed solar panels to generate clean, renewable energy onsite. At Newmarket, solar panels now provide a significant percentage of the venue’s power needs, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
- Wind Turbines: Some racecourses in rural locations are exploring wind turbines as an additional renewable energy source. This not only powers the venue but can also contribute excess energy back to the local grid.
- Energy-Efficient Upgrades: Many facilities are switching to LED lighting, which uses up to 75% less energy than traditional lighting systems. Even heating systems are being upgraded to more efficient models that lower overall emissions.
3. Tackling Waste
Race days produce a staggering amount of waste, but targeted efforts are addressing this issue:
- Reusable Cups and Utensils: Racecourses are phasing out single-use plastics in favor of reusable or biodegradable alternatives. At the Melbourne Cup in Australia, reusable cups were introduced, preventing thousands of disposable items from ending up in landfills.
- Comprehensive Recycling Programs: Waste sorting stations are being placed throughout venues to encourage recycling. These stations separate plastics, paper, and organic waste, making it easier to divert materials away from landfills.
- Food Waste Initiatives: Leftover food from event days is being redistributed to local charities or sent for composting. Some venues are partnering with food banks to ensure surplus meals don’t go to waste.
- Zero Waste Goals: Venues like Aintree in the UK have adopted zero-waste-to-landfill policies, where every bit of waste is either recycled, composted, or converted into energy.
4. Promoting Biodiversity
Racecourses are vast and can be hubs for wildlife if managed responsibly. Here’s what’s being done:
- Habitat Restoration Projects: Courses are restoring natural habitats around their perimeters. For instance, Sandown Park Racecourse has created wildflower meadows to support pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- Tree Planting Programs: Racecourses are planting native trees to offset carbon emissions and provide shelter for local wildlife. Ascot’s recent initiative added thousands of trees around its grounds, improving air quality and biodiversity.
- Wetland Creation: Some racecourses are incorporating wetlands into their landscapes. Wetlands act as natural water purifiers and provide habitats for various bird species.
- Partnerships with Conservation Groups: Collaborations with organizations like the Wildlife Trusts ensure racecourses meet biodiversity standards and enhance their ecological contributions.
Education and Awareness
Sustainability isn’t just about infrastructure—it’s about mindset. The industry is investing in training programs to educate everyone involved, from jockeys to groundskeepers. In the UK, the British Racing School has introduced a course on environmental sustainability, ensuring the next generation of racing professionals understands the importance of going green.
It is a long process, but we are on the right path. Let’s hope that more will jump on this trend and introduce new greener practices that will make horse racing a more sustainable sport.
