Many industries are taking considerable steps to improve their carbon footprint in this modern day, with changes having to be made to secure long-term futures for children.
Greener initiatives have become incredibly popular in sport, with major events in Formula 1 and soccer taking action to ensure that they are able to reduce their carbon footprint. Horse racing is also taking steps to become greener, with key factors being put in place around the major events on the calendar.
The most popular remains the Kentucky Derby, and you can find past results of the opening leg of the Triple Crown here: https://www.twinspires.com/kentuckyderby/results/
However, what steps will the racing industry be taking to ensure that it is greener and more environmentally friendly?
Energy and Emissions
Racecourses and stables will be at the forefront of the steps taken to improve the greenness within the sport. Key steps have already been taken from leading courses across the world, with renewable energy being an important factor that has been addresses.
The installation of solar panels and wind turbines allow facilities to use renewable sources for electric, rather than relying on traditional methods. Most importantly, locations have also reduced the fossil fuels that are being consumed.
This is most prominent in the transportation of horses, with horse boxes and vans now being electric and more cleaner alternatives. Leading tracks such as Churchill Downs and Santa Anita have also installed LED and motion sensors to ensure that they have upgraded their lightning systems, reducing their energy consumption, especially around the time of big events on the calendar.
Water Management
As part of the welfare steps on track, a large amount of water is used on a daily basis at a track. Equines will have cold water thrown on them after racing to cool their body temperature. Meanwhile, vast amounts of water are consumed by horses after running on track.
Therefore, extra emphasis has been put on water management at courses and yards. Conservation is a step in the right direction, with automatic troughs and self-closing taps found at leading courses around the world nowadays.
Tracks are also able to recycle water, with rainfall on course that is drained before re-used after being cleaned for a number of reasons. Water is also recycled on track for dust control and irrigation. Furthermore, many leading racing establishments will complete water audits.
These will help pinpoint areas where a track or stable could further improve their water management. This is especially important information due to the increased risks of drought.
Waste Reduction
Major races on the international calendar attract tens of thousands of visitors, meaning that there are measures in place to ensure waste reduction. This can range from a number of different measures.
Among those include the elimination of plastic at the racecourse, with drinks served in reusable cups. As well as reusable cup, there may also be plates and cutlery options that can be used once again after being cleaned.
Racecourses will also need to carefully consider their waste management. This includes taking steps to improve recycling programs, aiming towards items that are more sustainable. Furthermore, vendors will also be tasked with following the same trends, with an emphasis on this modern day being on finding more sustainable supplies.
That includes ethically sourcing feed and bedding for equines at stables. This may be a more expensive venture for those involved within the sport, but the positives certainly outweigh the negatives.
Biodiversity
Racecourses also have the power to give back to the local region, and a number of land and biodiversity schemes can be put into place. At the heart of this is a well-thought out land management system.
Site muck heaps away from waterways and it can be used to manage and support ecosystems. Many racecourses are also trialling new schemes focused on habitat restoration.
One of the most successful can be found at Haydock Park in the United Kingdom, which has introduced beehives to boost its local biodiversity, while also aiding to producing locally home-grown honey. The track welcomed 100,000 bees in May 2025, with the main aim being to play an important role across the 127-acre site.
Working Together
One of the biggest factors that will ensure the long-term success of green plans is for all of the industry to pull in the same direction.
A unified strategy will set the tone, while also ensuring that all efforts are coordinated. As well as getting the support of trainers, jockeys, owners, and racecourse bosses, there is also a requirement to get stakeholders on the same page.
Those that invest in tracks will have a big impact on the success of schemes, and connections to experts with proven supply chains will make sure that racing has an environmentally friendly outlook.
