Horse racing started in the ancient world of the Greeks. And like many other events in the history, this sport was passed on to Romans who have learned to become obsessed with the sport. The Greeks back then incorporated this game in the Olympics, which helped it gain natural popularity.
The origin of the game in United Kingdom though begins with the importation of Arabian stallions into England during and after the Crusades. The combination of the stock from Middle East and the breeds in Europe led to the emergence of a swift runner with a steady build.
During the course of Europe’s horse racing history, we can observe that the sport was dedicated primarily to the noble and royal families alone. The commoners served as the spectators.
In fact, Charles II and Queen Anne were known to have been obsessed with horse racing that both had private and public horse racing competitions held through their own initiatives.
Horse racing in Europe was marked later with the development of various racing arenas throughout the land. However, professional horse racing occurred during the 16th century when the great classics were established.
Even before America has got its American Jockey Club, Europe has already established the first governing body for horse racing. In line with this, it has already accomplished various things pertaining to horse racing.
The Jockey Club of England was established due to the movement initiated by the elite of horse racing. This then became the overseer of racetracks, races, standards for horse breeds, and event rules and regulations. In short, they formalized the sport, as we know of today during 1750s. The Jockey Club was also responsible for the early determination of breeding lines of the horses.
James Weatherby, an official of the Jockey Club was the first to distinguish the founding sires of the stallions that we now know as Thoroughbreds.
Throughout the development of the game, various types were formed. These are called as the classics.
Among the most popular are St. Leger that was founded during 1776, the Oaks which was founded 3 years after, the next year produced the Derby, 2,000 Guineas in 1809 and 1000 Guineas that was created five years after.
All these, among with other events, were created through the formation of the Jockey Club.
St. Leger
St. Leger was founded by a former Irish soldier Lieutenant Colonel Anthony St Leger. The very first event under this category was held on September 24, 1776. It has the longest distance among the English Classics, which ran over 132 yards, 1m and 6f.
On our present sense, this range was relatively short which led to questioning its worth since ranges seem to have switched to more glamorous distances. This game existed for 227 years but was canceled during the Civil War.
The Derby
This horse racing event rooted from a race that was devised by Edward Smith Stanley who was the Earl of Derby during 1779. With his friends, they intended to race only among themselves over 1 ½ miles. This was named after his estate, Oaks. The race has become successful that the following year saw the second race of its kind.
The name of the race was then founded after the Earl won in a game of flipped coin with his friend Sir Charles Bunbury, then was an excellent racing figure.
These are just two of the most famous English Classics. Central to all these is that despite the presence of horse racing among other cultures, Europe is still credited for being the proponent for the 1st formal exhibition of horse racing.
Thoroughbred horse racing is the most popular form of horse racing the whole world. It is so popular that some people do not know of any other form of horse racing. Thoroughbred horse racing is also known by some people as the “sport of kings”. Usually, a thoroughbred horse owner would hire a trainer to condition the horse for only one type of race. This is because a good trainer knows that there is a best training regimen for every type of race. The owner may also opt to enter the horse in races that are somewhat similar to what it is in training for.
Thoroughbred horse racing comes in various forms. Here are some of them:
1) Maiden races – this type of thoroughbred horse racing pits untested horses against each other. This event is the debut of all race horses. Some people find this type of thoroughbred horse racing more exciting because of the fact that all of the horses involved are untried. The maiden race often determines the whole career of a race horse. This event will show the world just what a race horse is capable of.
Often, thoroughbreds of varying ages participate in maiden races. In this type of thoroughbred horse racing, the horses carry similar weights in order to even the odds. There are also no handicapped penalties involved in this type of thoroughbred horse racing.
2) Allowance racing – this type of thoroughbred horse racing involves horses which have already participated in a maiden race but are not yet ready for the grand stakes race. Usually, this type of thoroughbred horse racing involves running for a purse that is slightly above the purse involved in maiden races. Some horse owners use these races to actually train their horses.
3) Grand stakes racing – this type of thoroughbred horse racing is the most popular with people since it often involves a lot of cash. People who go to this type of thoroughbred horse racing do so in order to bet their cash on their favorite horse. The “grand stakes” in this race refer not only to the money involved but also the reputation of the horse. A grand stakes race winner usually goes on to become a celebrity among horses.
The dreams of countless people are also at stake in this type of thoroughbred horse racing. This is because betting in this type of thoroughbred horse racing can cost a lot. People pin their hopes and dreams on one horse. This is the reason why this thoroughbred horse racing remains to be supported by people all over the world today.
4) Handicap race – this type of thoroughbred horse racing is, theoretically, the most even of all races. This is because all of the horses participating in such an event have been appropriately handicapped according to their performance in other races. More people bet at this type of thoroughbred horse racing because all of the odds are even. Theoretically, any horse can win in a handicap race.
Although thoroughbred horse racing gains popularity because of the cash, there are those people who see it as a test of spirit. There are horses which have the potential to be the best. However, if that horse did not have the will to win, then the potential would forever be useless. Thoroughbred horse racing is not just a game, it is a reflection of life.
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