The History Of Horse Racing Goes Back To Ancient Times
Being one of the most ancient of mankind’s sports also makes horse racing one of humanity’s most beloved sports. That horse racing is called the sport of kings is also no accident. Back in the days when the first horse races were held, it flourished as a sport for kings and nobility, and this is where the history of horse racing begins..
The roots of horse racing can be traced back to Central Asian tribes-people; they were the first to domesticate horses, and this dates back to approximately 4 500 BC, perhaps even more.
Horse racing today creates legalized gambling at huge venues and supports many and varied industries. Keeping horses, in particular thoroughbreds does not come cheap and these animals earn a living for themselves, their owners, trainers, jockeys, sports betting shops and a myriad other industries, only rich people can afford to keep horses!
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 organization of modern racing came about in the 12th century or thereabouts, when knights returned to England from the crusades, mounted on Arab thoroughbreds. More of these stallions were imported from the Holy lands and the next 400 years was spent getting the breeding strains just right.
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.
Horse racing became professional in 1702 in the UK, when Queen Anne was in power it was then that more than one steed was used in a race. It became all the rage and racetracks sprung up all over the country.
Being one of the most ancient of mankind’s sports also makes horse racing one of humanity’s most exquisite sports. We have got the best inside info on horse racing tips for specifically Australian horse races .
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