When it comes to horse racing drinks, your first thought probably goes to Champagne or signature cocktails. Yes, they are a big part of the event, but that doesn’t mean that you cannot get coffee at big events like the Breeders’ Cup.
The coffee culture in the past couple of years has evolved, not just in horse racing, but in every industry. When you think about it, horse racing is an adrenaline-pumping sport, and caffeine goes alongside. On top of that, even though horse races last for a couple of minutes, spectators usually spend their entire day at the racetrack. So, obviously, they cannot go straight to whiskey or champagne in the morning.
That’s why, for stablehands to bettors, jockeys to journalists, coffee is often the unofficial sponsor of every horse racing event. Let’s dive deeper into coffee culture on race days, find out what people are drinking, and how the culture is evolving.
Coffee To Keep Things Going
Coffee is essential for the unsung heroes behind the scenes. We are talking trainers and grooms who are often up before the sun, and long before the spectators arrive at the track. That’s why they are already on their third cup of coffee.
Organizing a horse racing event is a big thing and involves a lot of hard work, and coffee is here to give them the energy to do so. But coffee at the stables isn’t fancy. It’s strong, practical, and served from thermoses older than some jockeys. However, it gets the job done.
So, the same way horses have their pre-race routines, so do humans, with that hot sip of coffee in the morning.
Are Jockeys Drinking Coffee?
Well, yes and no. It depends on the timeline. If it is before a race, they are a bit careful. You might think that jockeys are pouring down cappuccinos like everyone else, but that’s not quite true.
Jockeys have to follow strict weight management and count calories (even liquid ones). So, while trainers and stuff drink shots of espresso, jockeys take things more strategically.
Some need caffeine to stay sharp and usually take a small sip of espresso before a race to get that burst of energy. But some avoid caffeine altogether because it can raise heart rate and dehydrate the body. So, it’s not weird to see a jockey with a paper espresso cup moments before the race.
It’s part performance, part ritual. But even if it’s mostly mental, the right cup at the right time can make a big difference in a race.
How Are Spectators Enjoying Coffee at the Racetrack?
Finally, we came to the most important coffee culture at the track - the spectators. While we all think that horse racing events are all about booze, hard liquor, and champagne, coffee is also a popular drink.
That’s why we are seeing a trend where big horse racing events like the Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar already have pop-up cafes, and mobile baristas parked near the grandstand.
The atmosphere at the racetrack is energetic. The crowds are big, people are excited, and everyone wants to make a winning bet. That’s why it is probably a good idea to start your day with a coffee and a sharp mind. After all, you are going through the Breeders’ Cup winners list, just to find an undervalued horse to bet on, so being tipsy from the champagne wouldn’t help.
So, yes, caffeine and betting have more in common than you might think. Both give you that electric rush, and both can make you feel like you’re seeing patterns that others don’t. The amount of coffee consumed at racetracks has been rising over the last couple of years, which indicates that the coffee culture has already entered horse racing.
That’s why some racetracks like Ascot and Churchill Downs have embraced this coffee culture completely. They have special coffee stands, different blends, and plenty of options, even [coffee-matcha protein drinks\(https://www.luxcafeclub.com/blogs/whats-brewing-today-1/get-your-gains-with-cults-new-protein-packed-drinks).
Caffeine Meets Tradition
Coffee and horse racing might seem like an odd couple, but they actually share the same spirit. They are all about energy, focus, and ritual. For many in the racing world, coffee isn’t just about caffeine. It’s more about the moment of calm before the storm.
But coffee is always served at a specific time, usually in the morning. That’s why by the afternoon, the switch flips, and those espresso machines are replaced by beer taps and champagne corks.
The Trackside Coffee Culture
What’s fascinating is how coffee culture has evolved at racetracks. Modern racecourses are catching up with the café craze. You’ll find sleek espresso bars, latte art competitions during off-days, and even track-branded coffee blends (yes, that’s a thing, and you can bet it’s strong).
At major events like the Breeders’ Cup or the Melbourne Cup, coffee vendors have become part of the race day identity. Fans post selfies with their drinks, horses warm up in the background. It’s all part of this new-age race day aesthetic, a mix of tradition, technology, and flat whites.