History of Horse Racing in UK
Horse racing originated in the ancient world of the Greeks. And like a number of other events in history, this sport was forwarded to Romans who have learned to be obsessed with 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 begins with the importation of Arabian stallions into England during and following the Crusades. The amalgamation of the stock from Middle East as well as the breeds in Europe resulted in the emergence of a swift runner with a steady build.
Throughout Europe’s horse racing history, we can observe that the sport was dedicated primarily to the noble and royal families alone. The commoners served as the spectators.
The fact is, 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 development of various racing arenas throughout the land. However, professional horse racing occurred during the 16th century once the great classics were established.
Even before America had got its American Jockey Club, Europe had already established the very 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 rules and regulations. In other words, they formalized the sport, as you may know in the present day during 1750s. The Jockey Club has also been the cause of the early determination of breeding lines of the horses.
James Weatherby, an official of the Jockey Club was the first to distinguish the founding sires of the stallions that we now know as Thoroughbreds.
During the entire development of the sport, various types were formed. They are called as the classics.
One of the most popular are St. Leger which was founded during 1776, the Oaks which was founded three years after, the following year produced the Derby, 2,000 Guineas in 1809 and 1000 Guineas that was created five years after.
Each one of 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 was held 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 resulted in 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 the race that had been devised by Edward Smith Stanley who was the Earl of Derby during 1779. With his friends, they intended to race only among themselves over 1 1/2 miles. This was named after his estate, Oaks. The race has grown to be successful and the following year saw the 2nd race of this type.
The name of the race ended up being founded after the Earl won in a game of flipped coin with his friend Sir Charles Bunbury, then was an outstanding racing figure.
These are just a couple of the most famous English Classics. Central to all these is the fact that inspite of the presence of horse racing among other cultures, Europe is still credited for being the proponent for the 1st formal exhibition of horse racing.