Stryde has unveiled Ultimate Jockey, a first-of-its-kind global horse racing league that aims to transform one of the world’s oldest sports into a modern, franchise-based entertainment powerhouse. With a $1 million investment allocation secured, the venture offers investors an early opportunity to participate in what could become a landmark shift for the equine industry ahead of its official launch in 2026.

At its core, Ultimate Jockey seeks to bridge the fragmentation in horse racing by creating a unified, athlete-focused, and competition-based league centred on the world’s best jockeys. The league plans to host races in Tier 1 cities around the world, combining elite sporting action with immersive fan experiences and high-end hospitality. Four major venues have already been secured, and 14 top international jockeys, including Christophe Soumillon, Umberto Rispoli and Javier Castellano, have signed letters of intent.

Unlike traditional horse racing, which revolves around independent events such as the Dubai World Cup, Kentucky Derby, and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, Ultimate Jockey will connect races through a structured global season. The format introduces jeopardy and narrative, allowing fans to follow their favourite jockeys and franchises through an international circuit — a concept the founders say mirrors the success of Formula 1’s Drive to Survive in reigniting motorsport fandom.

The league’s revenue model spans four main streams: franchise licence fees (20%), data and betting partnerships (38%), sponsorships and merchandise (29%), and luxury hospitality via the Saddle Club (13%) — an exclusive VIP experience inspired by F1’s Paddock Club. Each race weekend will feature six races, including heats and a grand final, with a horse allocation lottery to ensure a level playing field.

Global horse racing is already a $127 billion industry, projected to reach $182 billion by 2030, yet much of this value remains concentrated in a handful of legacy events. Stryde’s founders argue that the sport’s fragmented ecosystem — coupled with an ageing fan base — has left untapped commercial potential. Ultimate Jockey aims to capitalise on that gap by offering a modernised, content-driven product that engages younger audiences through storytelling, digital media, and gamification.

Led by an experienced team with backgrounds at the Jockey Club, PGA Tour, and Stats Perform, the venture combines expertise in racing, media, and sports investment. Backed by Chiron Sports Group, investors in Team Drogba’s E1 Series and Venezia FC, Ultimate Jockey’s blueprint positions it as a bold reinvention of horse racing for the 21st century — one that celebrates the athletes, captivates global audiences, and unlocks new commercial horizons for the sport.