Yes, sim racing and horse racing might sound like two distant worlds apart. Ones on sleek tires and virtual engines, and the other one is all about majestic horses, dirt, and big prize purses.
But if you clear the surface and dig a bit deeper, you’ll find that they are very much alike. Both sim and horse racing are all about precision, rhythm, instincts, and trust in the process. Plus, we are talking about racing in both worlds, so they aren’t much different.
Since horse racing is one of the oldest sports on the planet, maybe virtual motorsport riders can learn a thing or two from jockeys. After all, they’ve spent years perfecting their strategies, and know how to save time, how to get to the finish line quicker, how to deal with stress and opponents, and the entire mental game that is crucial in becoming a champion.
So, what can virtual motorsport riders learn from jockeys? Can they actually improve their virtual racing skills by implementing some horse racing strategies?
1. Weight Distribution
When it comes to body control, no other athlete on the planet comes close to jockeys in terms of dedication and hard work. They are masters of body control, as they need to be lightweight, but still strong enough to maneuver a 1,000-pound animal.
But the weight is one thing. They also need to work on their posture in races. Have you noticed how they are squeezed closely to the horse? This isn’t just for looking cool, but more about reducing drag, maintaining a good balance, and extracting every ounce of speed from a horse.
Well, the same thing goes for sim racers. Yes, they may not be physically balancing, but the metaphor still applies. Some games allow racers to tune their vehicles and make the perfect setup. They dive into weight distribution, drag, slip streams, and DRS. It’s more about the overall feel of the vehicles, and each map requires a different approach.
A jockey has a light touch (even though it might not seem like it), so the same thing goes for sim racing. All you need to do is establish a connection with the car the same way a jockey does with the horse and feel how it behaves.
So, stop making heavy-handed steering corrections that can ruin your exit speeds. Focus on creating a smooth process. Remember, just because it’s not squeaky and aggressive, it doesn’t mean it is not fast.
2. Rhythm
In horse racing, there is something called a rhythm, which is quite important for jockeys. An experienced jockey can detect fatigue, sense when to push, and when to hold back, all in a fraction of a second.
They know their strengths and when is the best time to gain an edge. Have you noticed how most of the horses that storm from the gate first are usually not the ones winning the race? They lose their rhythm and pace halfway through the race.
Sim racers should develop a similar rhythm with their car. They should focus on subtle sync between downshifts, throttle blips, and braking. Don’t try to overdo it just because you’ve lost some time in the first corner. In most cases, pushing to your limits increases the chance of a big mistake.
So, it is better to choose a stable rhythm for the entire race where you maintain a steady pace, rather than go all in and risk a crash.
3. Steering with Precision, Not Panic
A jockey doesn’t yank on the reins in panic when the horse drifts; they correct with finesse, gonad brevity, and timing. A moment too harsh, and you compromise their stride—or worse, spook them mid-race.
Sim racing’s harsh correction syndrome is a real performance killer. It shows when you oversteer, understeer, or fight your car mid-corner. Jockeys would remind you: stay smooth. Let the cursor or steering wheel guide you into the apex, balanced, and then let the throttle do the talking. Panic motions don’t save time; they sacrifice rhythm for chaos.
4. Trust in the Machine (or the Mount)
A good jockey trusts their horse’s gut instincts. When the horse opens up its stride, they don’t clamp the reins to stop the flow. In return, the horse trusts them to steer, pace, and time the sprint to the wire.
That’s why we often see underdogs winning races in horse racing. Bettors love those moments since they win a lot of money. But even as a bettor, a careful approach towards betting type costs and payouts is required. If you want to improve your chances, it is better to use a horse racing betting calculator here: https://www.twinspires.com/wagertypes/.
Sim racers need the same dynamic with their rig and setup. If your car is understeering but your setup fiddles say it’s the best compromise, don’t overcorrect mid-session. Trust the setup you dialed in (or tweak it calmly between runs). And train your hands and feet to trust the feedback of the wheel—so you can feel the “horse’s” movements and respond naturally, not reactively.
5. Strategy: Know When to Sprint and When to Conserve
Horse racing isn’t a straight gallop from gate to finish. Smart jockeys take measured shots, bide their time, survey the field, and strike when the opportunity, about 200 meters to go, presents itself.
Sim racers take from that: long races or endurance series aren’t about hammering the same lap over and over. You look at tire wear, fuel levels, and opponent behavior. Save aggression for the safe overtakes and the final spirals. Be tactical. If your opponent over-pushes mid-race, pounce tactically. If you’re managing a pit strategy, treat it like setting up a final push on the homestretch. It’s about economy, timing, and impact.
The goal for sim racers is to lock in and sync with their car just as a horse sync with a horse. That’s the only way to win races consistently.