How was horse racing different from today and back then?

Horse racing today:

* Thoroughbreds are the primary breed used for racing.

* Races are typically held on oval dirt tracks or synthetic surfaces.

* Jockeys wear brightly colored silks to represent their owners.

* Races are usually between 1 and 2 miles long.

* Horses are typically retired around age 5 or 6.

Horse racing in the past:

* Quarter Horses were also commonly used for racing, especially in the United States.

* Many races were held on natural surfaces, such as grass or sand.

* Jockeys often wore plain clothing or simple colors.

* Races were often longer, some even exceeding 3 miles.

* Horses were often raced until they were much older, sometimes into their teens.