Can a digital game reshape how fans connect with horse racing, a sport rooted in centuries of tradition? Stables, a Paris-based fantasy horse racing platform built on the Tezos blockchain, announced its expansion into the North American market, sparking curiosity about the future of this age-old pastime. Through a partnership with Equibase, the official database for North American horse racing, Stables is integrating thousands of real U.S. racehorses into its virtual ecosystem, offering players a chance to own, train, and race digital versions of these animals. This move, paired with a significant platform upgrade, signals a shift in how technology intersects with sports fandom.
Stables began as a project under France’s Pari Mutuel Urbain (PMU), a major player in horse race betting, before becoming an independent entity in 2023. Since then, it has grown into a Web3-based simulator where players manage digital twins of real racehorses. The North American expansion marks its first step beyond Europe, aiming to tap into a market where horse racing has deep historical ties but faces challenges in engaging younger audiences.
What Does the Equibase Partnership Mean for Stables?
The collaboration with Equibase opens access to a vast catalog of North American racehorses, allowing Stables to mirror real-world racing dynamics in its digital realm. Equibase, a partnership between The Jockey Club and the Thoroughbred Racing Associations of North America, provides detailed statistics and racing data, which Stables will use to ensure its virtual races reflect the performance of actual horses. This integration means players can now build stables with U.S.-based horses, compete in virtual races, and track their digital assets’ progress alongside real-world results.
Kyle McDoniel, President and COO of Equibase, sees this as a bridge between tradition and innovation. “By bringing our extensive database into Stables’ digital world, we’re giving racing fans a chance to strategize, compete, and experience horseracing in ways that weren’t possible before,” he said. “This partnership represents Equibase’s commitment to innovation while honoring the traditions that make horse racing North America’s oldest sport.” For Stables, this deal expands its reach and adds authenticity, a key factor in attracting fans who value the sport’s heritage.
The partnership also raises questions about data ownership and usage. Equibase’s role as a gatekeeper of racing information means Stables must navigate licensing agreements and ensure its digital offerings align with the interests of the broader Thoroughbred industry. How this balance plays out will likely influence the partnership’s long-term impact.
How Are Gameplay Changes Shaping the Stables Experience?
Alongside the expansion, Stables is rolling out its most extensive update yet. The platform is shifting to full Web3 integration, introducing $SPT, a Tezos-based token that will handle race entries, competition fees, and in-game transactions. This move decentralizes the game’s economy, giving players more control over their assets. A new marketplace will let users spend $SPT on power-ups, in-game items, and real-world perks like merchandise or VIP race access, blending virtual and tangible rewards.
The update also revamps gameplay mechanics. A league system now groups horses by experience, aiming to level the playing field for newcomers and veterans alike. Nine power-ups add strategic layers, letting players tweak their horses’ performance in races. North American tracks, complete with varied terrains, distances, and weather conditions, bring fresh challenges. An achievement system with daily, weekly, and monthly tasks offers additional ways to earn $SPT, encouraging consistent engagement. Lebnan Nader, CEO of Stables, views this as a turning point. “Expanding Stables into North America is a major step for us,” he said.
“This partnership allows us to bring real North American-based racehorses into our digital ecosystem, further enhancing the authenticity of the game and giving horse racing fans a new interactive way to experience their favorite sport.”
This overhaul builds on Stables’ early success. After launching in 2023, it sold out its initial collection of 6,666 French horse NFTs in two days and now hosts thousands of races weekly. The question remains: will these changes deepen player investment or overwhelm casual users with complexity?
Why Is Blockchain Central to Stables’ Vision?
Stables’ use of the Tezos blockchain underpins its entire model. Tezos, known for its energy efficiency and scalability, supports the creation of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) that represent digital horses. These NFTs tie directly to real racehorses, giving players a sense of ownership absent in traditional fantasy sports. The blockchain also enables secure, transparent transactions, a feature Jean-Frédéric Mognetti, Executive Director of the Tezos Foundation, highlights as transformative. “Stables is a great example of how blockchain enhances the sports industry, not just by adding digital ownership but by creating entirely new ways for fans to live their passion for horse racing,” he said. “Their move into North America is a critical milestone in their global development.”
Yet, blockchain’s role isn’t without scrutiny. Critics argue that Web3 platforms can prioritize profit over accessibility, with token economies potentially alienating players unfamiliar with cryptocurrency. Stables counters this by emphasizing Tezos’ low transaction costs and user-friendly design, but its success in North America may hinge on how well it educates newcomers about this technology.
The decentralized approach also shifts power dynamics. Players own their digital assets outright, unlike in centralized games where developers retain control. This could foster a loyal community—or spark debates about the commercialization of a sport steeped in tradition.
Where Does Stables Fit in Horse Racing’s Future?
Horse racing has struggled to modernize, with declining attendance at tracks and an aging fanbase. Stables offers a potential lifeline, targeting tech-savvy younger players who might never visit a racetrack. By gamifying ownership and competition, it reimagines fandom as an active, participatory experience rather than a passive one. The North American market, with its rich racing history, provides a testing ground for this concept.
However, challenges loom. Regulatory hurdles around blockchain and digital assets vary across U.S. states, potentially complicating Stables’ rollout. Competition from other blockchain-based racing games, like Game of Silks, which partnered with the New York Racing Association in 2022, adds pressure. Stables’ focus on authenticity and gameplay depth could set it apart, but it must prove its model resonates beyond early adopters.
Final Thoughts
From my perspective, Stables’ expansion is a bold experiment in blending legacy sports with cutting-edge tech. It’s not just about digitizing horses but instead about redefining what fandom means in 2025. I see potential for it to draw new eyes to horse racing, though I wonder if the blockchain barrier might limit its reach if not designed properly to ensure scale and low transaction fees. The sport needs innovation, and Stables could be a catalyst if it balances accessibility with its ambitious vision.
In the end, Stables’ journey into North America isn’t just a business move—it’s a litmus test for whether digital platforms can breathe new life into traditional sports. Whether it succeeds or stumbles, the outcome will say as much about horse racing’s adaptability as it does about Stables itself.
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