Step into any Dave and Buster’s, and you’re hit with a sensory explosion of flashing lights, triumphant sounds, and the collective energy of friendly competition. Amidst the latest VR experiences and flashy ticket games, veterans of the arcade floor often reminisce about a legendary machine: the Dave And Busters Horse Racing Game. This wasn’t just another game; it was an event, a sprawling multi-station beast that drew crowds and created real rivalries. For those who played it, it was an unforgettable experience of breeding, training, and thrilling virtual horse racing.
This iconic game, known as Derby Owners Club, was more than just a race. It was a deep, strategic simulation that allowed you to become a true owner and trainer. You didn’t just pick a horse; you created a legacy. From the moment your unique horse data was saved onto a magnetic stripe card, you were invested. This tangible connection to your digital athlete was revolutionary, turning a simple arcade visit into a long-term passion project. Players would carry their cards with them, their prize thoroughbreds literally in their wallets, waiting for the next chance to prove their mettle on the track.
An action shot of the Dave and Busters horse racing game, Derby Owners Club, showing multiple players seated at their terminals, intently focused on the large central screen displaying the race.
What Was the Horse Racing Game Called?
The official name of the game that captured the hearts of so many arcade-goers is Derby Owners Club. Developed by Sega and first released in Japan in 2000, it made its way to the United States as “Derby Owners Club World Edition” shortly after. It was a massive undertaking, with some machine configurations costing over $100,000 and featuring eight player stations surrounding a giant main screen.
Its complexity and cost meant it was geared towards an adult audience, making it a perfect fit for venues like Dave & Buster’s. Unlike games that offered quick ticket payouts, Derby Owners Club provided a deep, rewarding experience that encouraged repeat play. The goal wasn’t just to win a single race but to build a champion over time. You could even breed two of your existing horses by inserting both their cards, creating a new foal with inherited traits to train from scratch.
The Magic of the Magnetic Card
The true genius of Derby Owners Club was the physical card system. After your first game, the machine dispensed a plastic, credit-card-sized card that stored all of your horse’s data.
- Name and Lineage: Your horse’s name, its parents, and its entire racing history were saved.
- Training Progress: All the time you spent feeding, training, and conditioning your horse was recorded.
- Race Statistics: Every win, loss, and photo-finish was part of your horse’s permanent record.
This card created a powerful bond between player and game. It was a source of pride and the key to your ongoing journey in the world of virtual horse racing.
How to Play the Game: A Crash Course for Champions
Playing Derby Owners Club was intuitive to learn but incredibly difficult to master. The gameplay was divided into two main phases: Training and Racing. Each was crucial for your horse’s success.
Training Your Thoroughbred
Between races, you would use the terminal’s joystick and buttons to prepare your horse. The goal was to balance their condition and morale. Activities included:
- Feeding: Giving your horse treats like peppermints to improve its mood.
- Workouts: Engaging in different exercises, from gallops in a field to tandem workouts and pool sessions, to build stamina and speed.
How you trained your horse directly impacted its performance on the track. Neglecting training would lead to poor results, while a well-conditioned horse had a clear edge.
The Thrill of the Race
When the post time arrived, all players’ horses would appear on the main screen. The race itself was a masterful blend of your horse’s inherent abilities and your real-time strategy. Your controls were deceptively simple:
- Green Button (Whip): Use the whip to urge your horse to run faster. This consumes stamina.
- Red Button (Reins): Pull on the reins to hold your horse back, conserving precious energy for a final push.
The race was a nail-biting experience. You’d watch your horse’s position, monitor their stamina gauge, and decide the perfect moment to make your move. The roar of the crowd and the announcer’s call made every second feel electric.
Winning Strategies: From Rookie to Racing Legend
Success in Derby Owners Club wasn’t about luck; it was about smarts and strategy. Veteran players developed keen insights into how to gain an edge. While every horse was different, some core principles separated the champions from the rest of the pack.
“A huge part of the game was simply entering the right horse in the right race,” recalls Dr. Sarah Miller, an expert in game theory and player behavior. “A horse bred for short-distance speed would naturally struggle in a long-distance endurance race. Recognizing your horse’s strengths was the first step to victory.”
Key Strategies for the Track:
- Master Stamina Management: This is the single most important skill. Wasting your stamina early by using the whip too often would leave you with nothing for the final stretch. The best players knew exactly how much energy to conserve for a powerful finish.
- Know the Course: Different races had different lengths and track conditions. Learning how to pace your horse for a short sprint versus a long-distance marathon was crucial.
- The Art of the Final Stretch: The last few furlongs were where races were won and lost. A perfectly timed use of the whip, unleashing all your conserved stamina, could see you surge from the back of the pack to clinch a victory at the wire.
- Breeding for Success: The long-term strategy involved breeding. Players would meticulously mate horses with complementary strengths—a speed demon with a stamina expert—to create a new generation of balanced, versatile racers.
Why Did the Dave and Busters Horse Racing Game Disappear?
Despite its passionate fanbase, Derby Owners Club has become an incredibly rare sight. Finding a machine today is a quest in itself, with one 2017 report listing only 24 operational units in the entire United States. The decline was caused by a perfect storm of factors.
Arcades, including Dave & Buster’s, began shifting their business model. They started prioritizing games that offered quick, ticket-based rewards over complex, long-form experiences. Derby Owners Club, with its massive floor-space requirement and lack of ticket redemption, didn’t fit the new mold. Furthermore, the machines were expensive to maintain. As they aged and broke down, owners often chose to scrap them for parts rather than undertake costly repairs.
The game that once had players lining up and making reservations faded from arcade floors, leaving a void that many feel has never been filled. It has since become a piece of beloved arcade nostalgia, a testament to a time when games valued depth and dedication.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the name of the horse racing game at Dave and Busters?
The game is called Derby Owners Club, a horse racing simulation and management arcade game developed by Sega.
How do you control your horse in the race?
During a race, you use two main buttons: a green button to use the whip for a burst of speed (which uses stamina) and a red button to pull the reins to conserve energy.
Can you still play Derby Owners Club today?
It is extremely difficult. The machines are very rare in the United States, with only a handful of known locations. The game remains popular in Japan, with updated versions having been released over the years.
What made the game so special?
Its depth and the innovative magnetic card system made it unique. Players could save, train, and even breed their horses over months or years, creating a lasting connection and a deep sense of ownership that is rare in arcade gaming.
Did the game give out tickets?
No, Derby Owners Club did not dispense redemption tickets. Its reward was the satisfaction of building a champion horse, winning prestigious Grade 1 races, and earning bragging rights among fellow players.
A Legacy That Gallops On
The Dave and Busters horse racing game, Derby Owners Club, represents a golden era of arcade innovation. It was a game that asked for more from its players and gave back an unparalleled sense of investment and achievement in return. While you may no longer find it at your local entertainment center, its legacy lives on in the memories of those who spent hours breeding, training, and cheering their virtual champions across the finish line. It was more than just a game; for a dedicated community of players, it was a true passion. The next time you’re at an arcade, take a moment to look for the ghosts of giants like Derby Owners Club, the games that dared to be different.
