The Roots Of Horse Racing In The West Articles | Horse Betting

By: Richard Bleuze

The words horse racing means two or more horses competing for speed.  Horse racing includes races among harnessed horses, saddled Thoroughbreds on a flat track (most common for American horse racing, or among saddled horses over a turf course with obstacles to be jumped; known as steeplechase.

In the West, horse races, were contested as early as 1500 B.C. in Egypt.  As for harness racing, the roots extend back to early Greece, where chariot races were a part of the Olympic games.  It was at this time that horses were desired to be faster and stronger.  It was also at this time that horses were bred for work, military use, and the sport of horse racing. 

In England, Henry II mated the offspring of the speedy Arabian stallions bred  with his own powerful mares.  Thus, the new bred drew proud owners into informal wagers and races to determine the superior horses and riders.  Thus, the horse race course opened in London about 1174, and the "sport of kings" became started popping up at all of the fairs.  Then in the early 16th century, prizes were awarded in English racing.  Then, the 12th Earl of Derby originated (1780) the first event held on a sweepstakes basis at his estate in Epsom; known as the Epsom Derby or English Derby.  The Epsom Derby still continues to be held annually to this day.

In the American colonies, informal horse races were held until racetracks were founded.   Although horse racing waned during the Revolutionary period, it regained popularity afterward. 

The first major thoroughbred racing in the United States was at Saratoga Springs, N.Y., racetrack in 1863.  Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky then opened its horse racing track in 1875; other thoroughbred tracks soon appeared across the country.

During the 19th century, steeplechase became popular in England and Ireland.   The Grand National Steeplechase, the most famous, has been held annually since 1839 at Aintree course in Liverpool, England.

In the 1830s, harness racing began.  However, harness horse racing did not become popular until the 1870s.  In 1891 the modern low-wheel sulky replaced the high-wheeler.  Harness racing became very popular after World War II.  And in 1938, The United States Trotting Association was formed.  The most popular harness races being the Hambletonian, the Kentucky Futurity, and the Little Brown Jug.

The Thoroughbred Racing Association which is the leading regulatory organization in horse racing was founded in 1942.  However, it is to be noted that state racing commissions oversee racing within their borders.  The three most famous U.S. flat-racing events are the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, the Preakness at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Md., and the Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park, on Long Island near New York City. Together these events are known as the Triple Crown.

Since 1984 the Triple Crown horse racing tracks have shared the limelight with the annual Breeder's Cup championship.  The Breeder's Cup is generally held at a top horse racing track in the Fall. 

Other important thoroughbred races that are held in the world include the St. Leger Stakes in Great Britain, Queen's Plate in Canada, Melbourne Cup in Australia, Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini in Argentina, Prix inde l'Arc de Triomphe in France, Preis von Europa in Germany, and the best know horse race in the United Arab Emirates - the Dubai Classic.

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