Horse Racing History

Horse Racing has a long and interesting history and today, it is one of the most popular gambling industries in the world. This ancient sport dates back to around 4500 BC in Asia, where the first horse was domesticated. Since that time, horse racing has grown to become very popular and is now known as the sport of kings. In today’s world, horse racing is one of the few forms of gambling that is legal in many parts of the world, including the United States. It is also one of the most attended spectator sports in America, Canada, Ireland, Great Britain, South America and Australia.

Horse racing is one of the top organised sports around the globe. The Greek Olympics had events for chariot and mounted horse racing and the sport also became very popular in the Roman Empire. Modern racing began in the 12th century where the English knights rode Arab horses. For the following four centuries, Arab stallions were imported to breed with English mares to produce a horse that had both speed and endurance.

During the Queen Anne reign from 1702 to 1714, horse racing was recognised as a professional sport. Racecourses all over England emerged and offered large purses that would attract the best horses. The fast expansion of the sport resulted in the need for a governing authority, so in 1750, the Jockey Club was formed. This Club is still the regulator for horse racing in England today.

The Jockey Club was responsible for writing rules that sanctioned racecourses to conduct meetings. There were specific standards that were established that defined the races. Since 1814, there have been 5 races called the Classics. The Club also worked to regulate breeding. The pedigree of every horse bred was to be traced back and in 1791, the General Stud Book was written. In subsequent volumes of the book, every descendent of the original racehorses have been recorded and those listed in the General Stud Book were the only horses allowed to race in the 1800s.

Over the years, the rules and regulations have changed and now, there are many forms of horse racing that are enjoyed all over the world. With the growth of the sport, millions of people started attending races and even betting on winners, creating a huge form of gambling in many countries.