Horse racing originated in the ancient world of the Greeks. And like many other events in history, this sport was forwarded to Romans who have learned to be obsessive about the sport. The Greeks back then incorporated this game within the Olympics, which helped it gain natural popularity.
The origin of the game in Uk though starts with the importation of Arabian stallions into England during and after the Crusades New Horse Racing. The combination from the stock from Middle East as well as the breeds in Europe resulted in the emergence of a swift runner having a steady build.
During the course of Europe’s horse racing history, we can easily observe that the sport was dedicated primarily towards the noble and royal families alone. The commoners served as the spectators.
In fact, Charles II and Queen Anne were known to have been enthusiastic about horse racing that both had public and private horse racing competitions held through their very own initiatives.
Horse racing in Europe was marked later with the growth of various racing arenas throughout the land. However, professional horse racing occurred during the 16th century when the great classics were established.
Even before America had got its American Jockey Club, Europe had already established the first governing body for horse racing. In line with this, it has already accomplished various things associated with horse racing.
The Jockey Club of England was established because of the movement initiated by the elite of horse racing. This then became the overseer of racetracks, races, standards for horse breeds, and event regulations and rules. In short, they formalized the sport, as you may know of today during 1750s. The Jockey Club has also been responsible for early determination of breeding lines of the horses.
James Weatherby, the official of the Jockey Club was the first person to distinguish the founding sires of the stallions that we now know as Thoroughbreds.
During the entire progression of the sport, different types were formed. They are called as the classics.
One of the most popular are St. Leger that was founded during 1776, the Oaks which was founded 3 years after, the following year produced the Derby, 2,000 Guineas in 1809 and 1000 Guineas which was created five years after.
All these, among other events, were created through the formation of the Jockey Club.
St. Leger
St. Leger was founded by the former Irish soldier Lieutenant Colonel Anthony St Leger. The first event under this category occured on September 24, 1776. It has the longest distance among the English Classics, which ran over 132 yards, 1m and 6f.
On our present sense, this range was relatively short which led to questioning its worth since ranges appear to have switched to more glamorous distances. The game existed for 227 years but was canceled during the Civil War.
The Derby
This horse racing event rooted from a race that had been devised by Edward Smith Stanley who had been the Earl of Derby during 1779. Along with his friends, they intended to race only among themselves over 1 1/2 miles. It was named after his estate, Oaks check my reference. The race has become successful and the following year saw the 2nd race of this type.
The actual race was then founded once the Earl won in a game of flipped coin with his friend Sir Charles Bunbury, then was an excellent racing figure.
These are merely two of the most famous English Classics. Central to all these is that despite the presence of horse racing among other cultures, Europe continues to be credited for being the proponent for the 1st formal exhibition of horse racing.
