Sprintvalley and Portman Park results today, also how to watch online
For punters visiting high street bookmakers or logging on to betting apps, names like Sprint Valley and Portman Park are instantly familiar.
They aren’t real racecourses but rather virtual horse racing tracks, created specifically for the UK betting industry.
These tracks are part of a suite of virtual sports products designed to simulate the thrill of live racing around the clock. Portman Park typically features flat races over distances like five or six furlongs, while Sprint Valley is tailored for shorter, fast-paced contests.
Each event is computer-generated, with results determined by a random number engine weighted to reflect starting prices.
Races are broadcast every few minutes, ensuring there’s always action for customers to watch and wager on. Just like at a real racecourse, punters can study the runners and odds before placing bets such as win, each way or forecast.
Commentary and on-screen graphics add to the sense of realism, with colourful names and fictional jockeys giving the events a traditional racing feel.
Although the tracks are fictional, the format mirrors live racing closely. Bookmakers use them to provide continuity between real world meetings, filling gaps in the schedule and keeping interest high throughout the day.
The technology has evolved significantly over the years, with sharper graphics, more lifelike horses and enhanced presentation.
Portman Park in particular has become something of a cult name among betting shop regulars. While many understand it is virtual, the repetitive exposure and distinctive commentary style have given it an almost nostalgic feel, with generations of punters recalling placing small wagers on its races.
Alongside Sprint Valley and Portman Park, operators also offer other virtual courses such as Steepledowns (jumps) and Millersfield (all-weather), ensuring variety across formats. Together, they form a reliable backbone of the virtual sports offering that has become a standard part of UK betting culture.
For bookmakers, the popularity of these virtual races lies in their convenience: they’re available 24/7, unaffected by weather, travel or real-world scheduling.
For punters, they provide quick fire entertainment with the familiar thrills of racing condensed into a few minutes.Virtual horse racing has become a staple of betting shops and online sportsbooks, with Portman Park and Sprint Valley among the most popular fictional tracks in the UK. Races run every few minutes, giving punters quick-fire action throughout the day. Here’s everything you need to know about how to watch and follow the coverage.
Where to Watch
You can catch Portman Park and Sprint Valley races in most high street bookmakers, including Ladbrokes, Coral, William Hill, Paddy Power and Betfred.
The races are streamed to in-shop TV screens as part of the virtual sports schedule. Online, both tracks are available via bookmakers’ websites and apps, usually under the “Virtual Sports” or “Virtual Racing” tab.
