|
 There are various forms of horse racing and all of them share a common history. Evidences of horse racing date back from Ancient Greek and Roman Empire period. The horse was a very important asset in battle and both the skill of the rider and the qualities of the horse were decisive in a fight. Practically ever since the man started to ride it also started to race.
The chariot racing was the most popular equestrian sport in Ancient Greek and in the Roman empire. The competitions were dangerous for both horses and drivers, often ending with severe injuries or even death. Yet the spectacle offered by chariot racing was highly appreciated by all spectators regardless their social class.
The horse racing remained very popular as the horses continued to have a major role in everyday life for centuries. In mid 17th century special race tracks are build in most important European cities. In 1665 the first race track is build in North America in Long Island. By late 19th century the number of operating race tracks in United States reaches a staggering number 314. There is no need to say that at this point horse racing was based on bookmaking. After a period of ban, many states considering bookmaking illegal, horse racing was revived after the pari-mutuel betting was introduced in 1908.The golden era of horse racing in United States lasted till World War II when its popularity started to fade. The Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, consisting in Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes is the most popular series of horse racing in US. The first winner of Triple Crown was Sir Barton with the jockey Johnny Loftus in 1919 but the Triple Crown draws the attention in early 1930s when many triple Crown winners emerge. The last Triple Crown winner is Affirmed who won the races in 1978 with Steve Cauthen as jockey. Since then no other horse won the Triple Crown, but the series of races still attract thousands of entrants and hundreds of thousands of spectators. |
