Chocobo Racing & Raising

It is costly? Is it fun? Is it worth it?

I'm super new to FF but getting into the extra stuff the game has to offer past end game. I've been to GS and played some TT, did Cactpot but no racing as of yet.

Now I'm wondering if Chocobo racing is a good way to earn prizes/MGP. But! I'm also wondering if making a top tier racing chocobo is a huge gil sink since I still haven't gotten into any of the crafts or gathering professions.

Should I get started on chocobos or should I go and make copius amounts of gil before I even bother? Or should I just get into Triple Triad if I'm looking for MGP?

To get a quicker answer on non-related bug or game fixes/additions. I would ask this on the general discussion forums. I'd answer here but I don't know myself.