The History Of Horse Racing Tells What And Ancient And Well-loved Sport This Is
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.
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.
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.
In the United States this form or racing is the second most popularly attended spectator sport, and loses first place only to baseball. Wagering is in the billions of dollars and horse racing is recognized as a major professional sport in Saudi Arabia, the UK, Ireland, South Africa, Australia, Canada, South America, New Zealand and the US.
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.
Arabs were bred with English mares to obtain a perfect combination of stamina, endurance and speed. Hosting private races between the horses of two breeders for a wager was one of the favorite pastimes of British horse breeders and nobility.
In 1702, under the reign of Queen Ann, horse racing became known as a professional sport, and races were organized with more than just two competitors. Once this happened it became so popular that race tracks were built all over the UK.
Being one of the most ancient of mankind's sports also makes horse racing one of humanity's most beloved sports. We have got the best inside scoop on horse racing tips for specifically Australian horse races .
