There is a lot to be said when it comes to the history of horse racing. It is an ancient spot, that dates back to around 4500 BC. It has been passed down through the centuries and is still a major attraction today. Although there is evidence of horse racing from prehistoric times, the first written documentation wasn’t until 638 BC, from the ancient Greeks.
During the Greek Olympics, horses were used for chariot racing events, and although there was a prize to be won it was more of a spectator sport. From there horse racing spread to the Roman Empire and it is said to have resurfaced in England around 1530. By these days, the sport had shown to not only be a spectator sport, but a profitable sport as well. Due to these findings, the breeding and the owning of race horses became very popular. With the rapid advancement of the sport came the “Society for the Encouragement of the Improvement of Horse Breeding in France,” also known as the Jockey Club. The club was developed to basically organize the sport, and provide documentation on all race horses. The provided a complete set of rules for horse racing and created the General Stud Book, listing all Thoroughbred horses that are allowed to race in the country.
The sport was brought to America by the British around 1665. Race tracks were establish all around New York, the first being in Long Island. It wasn’t always as celebrated as we now know it. Between the corruption and criminals taking over race tracks, and the gambling authority shutting horse racing down completely, there were times when the existence of the sport was threatened. In 1894, with only 25 tracks remaining, the ruling of banning horse racing was overturned. State legislatures agreeing to do this only in exchange for a share of the money used in gambling on the sport. Although it was legalized again, horse racing still struggled due to wars and hardships on the economy and never really prospered until around the 1970-1980’s.
The fascination of gambling is a major reason that horse racing still exists to this day. Hardly any other sport allows you to legally place bets, and with the advancement of technology in the world, it is now even possible to bet on horse racing over the phone and online. Although it is legal and may seem appealing, gambling can be a very addictive and destructive hobby to have. If you choose to participate you should be responsible and research the odds before placing that bet.
Understanding the extensive history of horse racing should help you to appreciate the sport a little more. It has battled through many centuries to become the popular, legal attraction it is today. It is interesting to know that this is a part of our heritage, and has pushed through centuries way before our time, and it will remain to do so even when we are gone.
Author: Ethan D Orman
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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