The History of Horse Racing
Horse racing is a sport where riders on horses compete to win a race. It has a rich history with time-honored customs and traditions that still capture the hearts of spectators around the world. The culture and glamour of horse racing also reflect the deep-rooted connection between human and equine spirits. However, behind the rose-tinted facade of horse races lies a darker world of drugs and injuries. Horses are forced to run at speeds that can cause gruesome breakdowns and injuries, often under the threat of whips and other cruel means.
The sport began in 12th century England, when knights returned from the Crusades with swift Arab horses and bred them to English mares. The nobility then placed wagers on match races between the fastest horses. Over the next four centuries, racehorses became increasingly specialized and refined in their ability to perform specific tasks.
In the 18th century, public demand for horse races drove a rapid expansion of racing throughout the world. Races were standardized, and eligibility rules were developed that determined which horses could enter each event. These rules determined age, sex, birthplace and previous performance to establish the entry list for each event.
While different national racing organisations may have their own unique rules, the majority of these rulebooks are based on the original British Horseracing Authority’s original rulebook. These rules determine how a race should be conducted and who will be declared the winner of each contest. In the event of a dead heat, a photograph of the finish is studied by the stewards to see which horse crossed the line first.
As the king of horse racing, it is only fitting that this year’s Arc takes the top spot on our list. It is the most prestigious race on the European calendar and the one that most accurately determines which horse is the world’s best. The race is typically run over a distance of one and a quarter miles and can be held on either dirt or turf surfaces.
The American Horse of the Year award is one that can have many different criteria for choosing the winner. This is often based on the performance of the horse during the entire season, though it can be influenced by previous performances and achievements. Seabiscuit, Kelso, and Man o’War are just a few of the famous horses that have won this award.
While a number of great races claim to be the world’s greatest, it is difficult to argue with American Pharoah leading the pack this year with the Derby and Arc wins under his belt. However, it is hard to ignore the power of the Arima Kinen or the prestige of the Dubai World Cup when deciding which race truly deserves the title of world’s greatest.