Horse racing origins and history

History indicates that racing has always been an enduring element of the relationship between man and horse. For thousands of years, horse racing has flourished as the sport of kings and of the common man. From country fields and the high streets in towns to ancient Roman and Greek arenas and modern purpose built racetracks, horse racing is one of mans oldest and most treasured pastimes.

By the time people began to produce written records, horse racing was an organized sport from Asia to the Mediterranean. Chariot and mounted horse racing were loved by the Egyptians and were events in the Greek Olympics by 638 BC. The sport was nothing less than a public obsession in the Roman Empire. Despite the fact that humans no longer depend on horses for power, transportation or military success, the love and respect that many people harbour for the horse's beauty, speed, power, stamina, grace and loyalty has waned little over the millennia.

Professional horse racing can be traced back to the 12th Century after the English knights returned from the Crusades with Arab horses. These horses were bred with English horses to produce the thoroughbred that is the breed of horse used in horse racing in the UK today.

During the reign of Charles II from 1660 to 1685 the King held horse races where prizes were awarded to the winners and Newmarket was the venue for the first race meetings in Britain.

Later, Queen Anne who reigned from 1702 to 1714, founded Ascot and horse racing became a professional sport with spectators betting on the results. In 1750 the Jockey Club was formed and continues today to write the rules and control English horse racing.

It was around this period that horse racing and wagering became a popular diversion of the English aristocracy. During the 1700's, racecourses became common in England. To control the sport, the Jockey Club was formed in 1750, which subsequently established standards, rules and regulations. Meanwhile breeders endeavoured to produce even faster animals.

Horse racing become a popular spectator sport and during the 18th and early 19th Century many of today's famous horse races were created such as the Derby in 1780 and the Grand National in 1839. Since this time the popularity of the sport has gone from strength to strength.

A pastime that was once reserved solely for the rich upper classes has been made accessible to all and sundry, evidence of which can be attained by attending a race meet anywhere in the world.