The History of Horse Racing in the United Kingdom

The ancient world of the Greeks began todays horse racing sport. Then, the Romans became obsessed with this horse racing sport, and like many other events in the history toke it to the next level. To help horse racing gain natural popularity the Greeks back in history incorporated this great game in the Olympics.

The importation of Arabian stallions into the United Kingdom during and after the Crusades began the origin of the game of horse racing in England. The combination of Middle Eastern stock and the European breeding led to the emergence of a swift runner with a steady build of horses.

The nobles and royal families in the course of Europe’s horse racing history where this sport was dedicated primarily to them. The commoners served as only spectators at this game.

As history states, Charles II and Queen Anne was so obsessed with horse racing that they had private and public horse racing competitions held through their own initiatives.

The development of various horse racing arenas throughout the land was much later in Europe. Although, professional horse racing started during the 16th century with the establishment of the great classics.

Europe had established the first governing body for horse racing and accomplished various things concerning horse racing before America has got its American Jockey Club.

The movement initiated by the elite of horse racing established the Jockey Club of England, and became the overseer of racetracks, races, standards for horse breeds, and event rules and regulations. During the 1750s they formalized the sport as we know of horse racing today. The early determination of breeding lines of the horses was the result by the Jockey Club. An official of the Jockey Club, James Weather was the first to distinguish the founding sires of the stallions, Thoroughbreds is what we call them today.

Throughout the development of horse racing, various types were formed, and are referred to as the classics. Some of most popular classics are St. Leger that was founded during 1776, the Oaks which was founded three years later, the Derby was produced the following year, 2,000 Guineas in 1809 and 1000 Guineas that was created five years later.

With the formation of the Jockey Club all these and other events were created through the Jockey Club.

St. Leger, a former Irish soldier Lieutenant Colonel Anthony St Leger founded the St. Leger, and on September 24, 1776, the very first event under this category was held. Among the English Classics it had the longest distance but was canceled during the Civil War.

The Derby, during 1779 Edward Smith Stanley who was the Earl of Derby and devised this horse racing event who intended to race only among his friends over 1 ½ miles. The race has become successful that the following year saw the second race of its kind, and was named after his estate, Oaks.

These are only two of the most famous English Classics. Central to all these is that despite the presence of horse racing among other cultures, Europe is still credited for being the proponent for the 1st formal exhibition of horse racing.

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