Getting addicted to trading cards in Gwent or getting bloodied up in fist fights aren't the only things you can do on the side in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (besides the obvious choice of visiting brothels), you can also get in on a little horse racing.
If you win the 11 horse races in the game, you will earn the Fast and Furious trophy/achievement; there are three in Velen, four in Novigrad, and four in Skellige. Some races can only be played after you've won certain races, so you might want to pay attention to the order of the guide.
Winning horse races doesn't simply give you boasting rights, it also upgrades your horse Roach and earns you Crowns (in-game money). The saddlebags that you win from races can give you up to 160 items in your inventory, the saddles will give your horse more stamina and blinders will keep your horse from becoming frightened.
With this guide, you might as well start placing bets on yourself for winning!
Tips
The first time you make an attempt at a race (you can race when ever you like) bet low so you can learn the map. Be wary of your map while racing, it is easy to fall off the race path (the thick black line) and follow the white path leading towards your quest objective.
If you miss a checkpoint during the race, chances are you'll lose. Race defensively to keep this from happening, don't let the other rider pass you (if possible). Keeping your horses stamina in check is pretty important, keep a good pace for the first couple of checkpoints and then sprint it out to victory.
Races
Crow’s Perch Horse Race
Location:
- Crow’s Perch (Velen)
Notes:
- Only one lap.
- Each challenger uses the same track.
Opponents:
- Stuttering Matko
- Iron-Arse Hans
- Black Bodga
Rewards:
- Racing Saddle (+40 Stamina), Saddlebags (30 Maximum Inventory Weight), Horse Blinders (20 Horse’s Fear Level)
- Crowns
Tips:
- Complete the main story quest "Get Junior"
The Great Erasmus Vegelbud Memorial Derby Horse Race
Location:
- Vegelbud Residence (Novigrad)
Notes:
- You need to pay 100 Crowns each time you participate in the race.
- Each challenger has a different track.
Opponents:
- Seamus Holt
- Viscount Rommer
- Luc Vegelbud
- Carlo ‘Cleaver’ Varese
Rewards:
- Superior Saddle
- Rugged Saddlebags
- Superior Cavalry Saddle
- Crowns
Tips:
- You will not be able to pick the order in which you face your challengers, so after you face the first you unlock the rest – so on and so forth.
Follow-up to The Great Erasmus Vegelbud Memorial Derby Horse Race
Location:
- Hierarch Square (Novigrad)
Opponents:
- Carlo ‘Cleaver’ Varese
Rewards:
- Racing Horse Blinders
- Crowns
Tips:
- In order to unlock read the message from Carlo ‘Cleaver’ Varese obtained from previous race.
The Heroes' Persuits for the Goddess' Glory
Locations:
- Rannvaig (Skellige)
- Fayrlund (Skellige) — North East of the town
- Blandare/Palisade (Skellige) — In between the two lakes on the path
- Larvik (Skellige) — Island
Opponents:
- Speedy Osvald
- Red Rikka
- Arve Oarsman
- Fishbreath Aegir
- Bald Sigge
- Astrid the Vipress
Rewards:
- Trophy
- Crowns
Tips:
- Mind your horses fear, there will be moments where your horses fear levels rise.
