The Fascinating History Of Horse Racing
Horse racing is one of mankind’s oldest sports. It was started by prehistoric tribesmen in Central Asia who, in 4500BC, domesticated wild horses. For thousands of years, it was known as the ’sport of kings’. Today it is so popular because it is a form of legalized gambling. The history of horse racing makes for interesting reading.
After baseball, horse racing is the most attended spectator sport in the USA. It is also a professional sport in South America, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Western Europe, Ireland, Great Britain, and Canada. The most popular form is racing jockey-mounted thoroughbreds on flat courses of varying distances.
When early man learnt how to keep records, horse racing became prominent in all main cultures spanning Asia across to the Mediterranean. Chariot racing and mounted horse races formed part of the Greek Olympics way back in 638BC, and during the Roman Empire, the public became obsessed with horse racing.
The modern format of the sport was first evident during the 12th Century. On their return from the Crusades, English knights brought home a number of fine Arab horses. During the next 400 years stallions were imported to England for stud purposes. When bred with the fine English mares, the offspring had amazing endurance and remarkable speed. They were ideal for horse racing.
During the reign of Queen Anne in the early 1700s, horse racing was classed as a professional sport. Each event featured several horses racing against each other, and spectators were permitted to place bets. Courses popped up everywhere in England and winning purses for the owners grew and grew. This translated to huge profits for owners and breeders.
Competition became fierce and, to prevent any corruption, a Jockey Club was formed in 1750 at Newmarket. The sport was controlled by this body which introduced a number of rules and regulations. Even to this day, British horse racing is overseen by the Jockey Club.
In 1665 horse racing was introduced to Americans with the arrival of English settlers who came with their horses. The first track was constructed at Long Island. After the Civil War and the subsequent recovery of the industrial economy, there was an explosion in the popularity of horse racing. By 1890 the USA boasted 314 race tracks.
Horse racing in America was plagued with corruption and criminality. Like their British counterparts before them, the Americans got together in New York to establish the American Jockey Club. The club immediately started ruling the sport with an iron fist and much of the corruption was dismantled.
Spending time at the Australian horse races is great fun, especially when you are winning! It’s time to start making every trip to the track a great one when you get the horse racing tips that will give you the winning edge today!
Tags: Gambling, gambling tips, Hobbies, horse racing, leisure, recreation, society, sport, sports and recreation, sports betting
