When looking through the different sports in the UK and across the world, there are not many that are more popular than horse racing. With plenty of excitement and the quickest horses in the world battling it out on the racecourse, there are not many better spectacles to witness. As horse racing continues to become more popular, it can be easy to forget the ancient roots of horse racing and how the sport has continued to develop into the great competitive activity that it is today.
BoyleSports might be known for its range of different jackpot slots, but the site is also full of horse racing offers and content, and the experts at BoyleSports have created an in-depth guide to the sport of horse racing and how the sport has grown and continued to develop throughout history.
The Origins of Horse Racing
Horse racing has a long and distinguished history, as it has been practised in civilisations from all across the globe since ancient times. Established archaeological records indicate that horse racing occurred in Ancient Greece, Rome, Babylon, Syria, Arabia, and Egypt. Other indications come from ancient myths and legends, such as the contest between the horses of the God Odin and the mythical Hrungnir in Norse mythology.
Chariot racing was one of the most popular sports in Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome and the Byzantine Empire. By the time of 648 BCE, both chariot and mounted horse racing events had even become events in Greek Olympics. Due to the lack of safety precautions and technological advancements, Chariot racing was dangerous to both the rider and horse, often leading to serious injury and even death. From the mid-fifth century BCE, Rome’s spring carnival ended with a horse race, with fifteen to twenty riderless horses, originally imported from North Africa, set off to run the length of the Via Del Corso, a long straight city street.
In later times, Thoroughbred racing became popular with British royalty, meaning the sport was then called the “Sport of Kings”. Historically, equestrians trained their skills through games and races whilst providing entertainment for crowds, with the various forms of competition including different skills from both horses and riders, resulting in the development of specialised breeds.
Horse Racing in Britain
Horse racing is known to be incredibly popular throughout Britain; it has an extensive and long history throughout the nation. In Britain, horse racing became well-established in the 18th century and only continued to grow and grow. King Charles II was a huge sports fan who gave Newmarket its prominence. By 1750, the Jockey Club was formed as a way to control the Newmarket races, set the rules of the game and create a level field. Throughout the late 1700s and early 1800s, races started to become more common, and the Epsom Derby began in 1780.
While Newmarket and the Jockey Club were used to set the standards for horse racing, the majority of racing took place in fields and in small towns for cash prizes and local prestige. In the past, the system of wagering was essential to funding and growing the industry for all classes, and with the higher class in control, they made a special effort to keep the criminal elements away from wagering in any attempt to make the sport as fair as possible for those wagering. With real money at stake, this system made for a new career opportunity for working-class rural men, as the sport needed skilled jockeys, trainers, grooms and breeding experts to continue growing the sport.
Horse Racing in the Present
Horse Racing has continued to develop into the modern age, with horse racing courses being scattered across the UK and the world, making it a truly worldwide sport. Due to its connection with sports betting, horse racing has continued to develop into a huge sport throughout the world, with events such as the Cheltenham Festival and the Grand National attracting bettors from around the world.
With the advancements in technologies, horse racing has benefitted from innovations such as photo finishes, electronic timing, and advanced breeding techniques, which not only make the sport even more competitive but also to enhance the user experience.
Despite the COVID-19 crisis, horse racing was one of the only sports that continued throughout the crisis, with Australian and Hong Kong racing carrying on, yet this was with no crowds due to the social distancing rules. All of the United States, United Kingdom and France racing bodies had to either postpone or cancel all horse racing events they had planned.
What Does the Future Hold for Horse Racing?
The future of horse racing is shaped by several factors that can influence the sport in a handful of different ways, whether technological advancements or changing public perceptions. For example, technology is increasingly playing a crucial role in horse racing, with advancements in wearable devices which can track important information such as performance, therefore improving training and race strategies.
The industry has seen growing concern regarding the safety and well-being of horses and jockeys, with a rise in calls for better treatment and accountability. Many racetracks are looking to introduce stricter regulations to prevent injuries. Finally, with the growing challenge of global warming, there is a push for sustainability, with some racecourses taking steps to be more environmentally friendly, from using renewable energy to creating eco-conscious facilities.