The history of horse racing dates back to ancient times; pre-historic times in fact and even then this was a sport for the nobility and kings. So it is not by mistake that one of the best loved sports in the world is called the sport of Kings.
Thousands of years back, 4 500 BC actually, the first horse races were held by prehistoric Asian tribes. These people were the first to domesticate these animals, and it was a natural progression that one owners' horse should be pitted against another for speed, endurance and strength. If nothing else, human-kind has always been competitive.
Racing in modern times sees the creation of massive venues for legalized gambling and the industries which support this. Horses are expensive to buy, breed and keep and they have to earn their living. Owning horses is definitely the privilege of those rich enough to keep them.
Horse racing in the US is the second spectator sport most widely attended. The first being baseball! Billions of dollars are placed as wagers annually and this sport is recognized professionally in Ireland, the UK, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South America and of course the United States.
Thoroughbreds are the most widely used breed and races take place on a flat track over a few different distances. Harness and quarter horse races are also popular, as is the steeplechase. One of the prime examples of a steeplechase is the Grand National in the UK.
As horse racing dates back to before history was written, so too does organized horse racing. Ancient Greeks and Romans featured these races as a big part of their culture and the Greeks had both mounted and chariot races as an official Olympic sport at the Olympic games in 638BC.
The development of the thoroughbred came about when 12th century crusaders and knights brought Arab stallions back to the British Isles from the Holy Land. For 400 years they imported more Arab stallions and bred them with British mares to develop a horse built for stamina, speed and endurance.
This unique blend of endurance, stamina and speed and the rivalry of breeders soon led to them pitting one horses speed against another. This was a favorite pastime and of course they bet money.
During the reign of the Queen Ann horse racing was recognized as a professional sport and from 1702 till today, this sport has grown and developed. In a natural progression, racetracks were built all over the UK and more horses than two were entered into events.
Thousands of years back, 4 500 BC actually, the first horse races were held by prehistoric Asian tribes. These people were the first to domesticate these animals, and it was a natural progression that one owners' horse should be pitted against another for speed, endurance and strength. If nothing else, human-kind has always been competitive.
Racing in modern times sees the creation of massive venues for legalized gambling and the industries which support this. Horses are expensive to buy, breed and keep and they have to earn their living. Owning horses is definitely the privilege of those rich enough to keep them.
Horse racing in the US is the second spectator sport most widely attended. The first being baseball! Billions of dollars are placed as wagers annually and this sport is recognized professionally in Ireland, the UK, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South America and of course the United States.
Thoroughbreds are the most widely used breed and races take place on a flat track over a few different distances. Harness and quarter horse races are also popular, as is the steeplechase. One of the prime examples of a steeplechase is the Grand National in the UK.
As horse racing dates back to before history was written, so too does organized horse racing. Ancient Greeks and Romans featured these races as a big part of their culture and the Greeks had both mounted and chariot races as an official Olympic sport at the Olympic games in 638BC.
The development of the thoroughbred came about when 12th century crusaders and knights brought Arab stallions back to the British Isles from the Holy Land. For 400 years they imported more Arab stallions and bred them with British mares to develop a horse built for stamina, speed and endurance.
This unique blend of endurance, stamina and speed and the rivalry of breeders soon led to them pitting one horses speed against another. This was a favorite pastime and of course they bet money.
During the reign of the Queen Ann horse racing was recognized as a professional sport and from 1702 till today, this sport has grown and developed. In a natural progression, racetracks were built all over the UK and more horses than two were entered into events.
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Being one of the most ancient of mankind's sports also makes horse racing one of humanity's most beloved sports. We've got the best inside information on horse racing tips for specifically Australian horse races .
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