Horse Racing - Overview

Horse racing is one of the ancient sports in the history of mankind. It was able to register its name in the list of those few games, who have managed to gain popularity across the globe. From three quarters of a mile to 22-mile thoroughbred, horse racing is the most popular form of racing today.

Objective

In this game several jockeys try their luck with their horses. Their aim is to win the race by making your horse ride efficiently and as fast as they can. Winning only one match does not get you fame. Consistency does matter. So, the more number of continuous wins will fetch that jockey a lot of respect in his fraternity.

History

Making a connection with the mythological facts regarding horses, it is believed that the game was played between Odin the god and giant Hrungnir. Archeological facts suggest that by 648 BC, Greeks had introduced horse racing in their Olympic games. From this fact, one can easily guess the history and the popularity of this game. Not only Greece but also Syria, Babylon and Egypt had admired this game since that era. They used to compete horse racing by attaching chariots to them.

There were grievous injuries and death in some cases, which were the major risks that the rider and their horse were facing in chariot racing. Then, Romans who along with chariot races, popularized mounted horse racing. As the popularity rose the demand of more skilful horses came into the picture, which in turn brought hybrid horses into the market.

Participating Countries

Horse racing is widely admired all over the world. It has so much charisma that people of all ages cannot stop themselves from watching the powerful bodies racing to their maximum potential. United Kingdom followed by United States of America are the trending countries, where this game has a tremendous fan following.

Similarly, Canada is also popular for this game. The famous horse of Canada is called as the “Northern dancer”. There are several European countries like Belgium, France, Great Britain, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, who are active participants. Some of the first races in Hungary can be dated back to 1827 and France has the biggest racing industry than any other countries in Europe.

Asian countries like China, India, Singapore and UAE are also known for their keen interest in organizing this game throughout the calendar year. India is known to be the oldest country in Asia, where horse racing is believed to be conducted under rules since almost two centuries. In 1977, the first race course was set up in Madras (now Chennai).

Adding to the list, Dubai is famous for organizing the prestigious Dubai World Cup, with a prized purse of 10 million dollars, making it the costliest race in the world. South Africa is not quite far in this. The history of horse racing in Africa can be traced back to year 1797. Durban July Handicap is the most premier event that is running in South Africa, since 1897.

South America too has its active participation in this game since so many years. In Argentina, this game is known as Turf. Most of the horses for these races are imported from South Africa, Australia, United Kingdom and France. New Zealand’s bloodstock industry generates 120 million dollars a year by exporting horses to Asia and Australia.