Totesports
Totesport
Origins of Horse Racing by Play to Win
Origins
Known as the sport of kings it is probably the most aptly named sport of all time. With long associations with Royalty, it was during the crusades that English Knights returned from the Middle East with Arab Horses, these animals were renowned for their speed and stamina, making them ideal race horses.
Charles II was recognized as the first monarch to instigate horse racing for prize money and Newmarket became the headquarters of British Horse Racing.
That little known English Queen, Anne founded the most famous English racecourse Ascot. and during her reign horse racing became a professional sport and spectators started to bet on the outcome.
The Jockey club was founded in 1750 and by 1810 all the classic English races had become established. National Hunt evolved from the hunting of stags and foxes, both pastimes involved the surmounting of natural obstacles such as fences and hedgerows. Steeple Chasing came from Ireland and it is believed evolved from Irish Pounding matches, the loser being pounded to a standstill by the winner's superior stamina over rough country terrain, eventually this developed into races over set distances and the winning post usually being a church steeple. Britain's first steeple chase over a course took place at Bedford in 1810 and by 1840 the Grand National was being staged at Aintree. The National Hunt committee was formed and was recognised by the Jockey Club in 1866.
Rules
An equestrian sport in which horse ridden by Jockeys over set distances. Existing in Two forms National Hunt in which obstacles must be jumped and Flat Racing in which there are no obstacles.
Flat Races
Are for thoroughbred horses are usually over distances from five furlongs to two and a half miles.
National Hunt
Races in this category are usually longer upto four and a half miles these are split into two distinct types,
Hurdling, which are short races over flexible obstacles called hurdles.
Steeplechases over larger more rigid obstacles called fences.
Handicaps in handicap races horses are given extra weight to carry according to recent form, age and gender.
Races to watch out for are:
Two Thousand Guineas held in May it is run over the Rowley Mile course at Newmarket for 3 year old colts and fillies it's name comes from the fact that was the guaranteed winning prize. The first winner was Wizard in 1809
One Thousand Guineas held in May it is run over the Rowley Mile course at Newmarket for 3 year old Filles. The first winner was Charlotte in 1814.
The Oaks held in June is a race for 3 year old fillies run at Epsom Downs over one and half miles, the name derives from Lord Derby's estate at Epsom. The first winner was Bridget in 1779.
The Derby could have been called the Bunbury but Lord Derby won the toss against Sir Charles Bunbury, this race is run over one and half miles at Epsom downs in June the initial races were run over 1 mile. The first winners was Diomed in 1780.
St Leger the oldest of the English Classic races held in September at Doncaster is run over 1 mile 6 furlongs and 132 yards the race was named after Anthony St Leger an Army Officer whose idea it was to hold the race. It has been held at other venues. The first winner was Allabaculia in 1776, the same year America gained it's independence.
The Grand National held at Aintree over 4 miles and 856 yards in April probably the most famous steeplechase in the world. The first winner was Lottery 1839
Cheltenham Festival takes place each March and is the stunning climax to the National Hunt Season It comprise many races but the ones to watch out for are the Gold Cup run over 3 miles 2 furlongs the first winner of this race was Red Spash 1924, and the Champion Hurdlerun over 2 furlongs and 110 yards the first winner was Blaris in1927, finally the Queen Mother Chase run over 2 miles the first winner was Quita Que in 1959
Prix de L'arc de Triomphe Europes richest horse race held at Longchamp near Paris France it is run over 1 mile and a 1/2 is open to colts and fillies the first winner was Comrade in 1920
Kentucky Derby held in May at Churchill Downs Kentucky the USA's premier race is run over one and a quarter miles the first winner was Aristides in 1875 Click to place a bet now
Some horse racing titbits!
Becher's Brook the Grand National Fence gets it's name from Capt Martin Becher who riding in the very first National in 1839 was dumped into the water at this notoriously difficult fence, on getting out he was heard to declare "how dreadful water taste without the benefit of whiskey" he never competed again but they decided to name the fence after him.
1853 saw the first time all three English classic races were won by one horse the horse was called West Australian and he won the 2 Thousand Guineas, The Derby and St Leger.
Golden Miller is considered to be the greatest horse of all time having won 5 consecutive gold cups 1932 - 1936 a still unmatched record he also won the 1934 Grand National this is a unique double.