Information on Horse Racing

In 638 B.C., the Greeks incorporated horse racing into the Olympics. The first Thoroughbred horse was a cross between Arabian and English horses in the 12th century, but it was not until the 17th century that horse racing became popular in America. Horse racing is enjoyed by people around the world in 2010.

  1. Breeds

    • There are several different breeds of racehorse. The American Quarter Horse has a stocky build and muscular, compact appearance. Quarter Horses are known for their sprinting capabilities and are considered to be "the world's fastest athlete," according to the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB).

      Calm-tempered Standardbred horses are either trained as pacers, who move their right legs and then their left legs, or trotters, who move all their legs together, according to MGCB.

      Thoroughbreds are known as the "King of Horses," according to MGCB. A thoroughbred's speed, agility and endurance comes from the high percentage of Type II muscle fibers in its body, according to Partners in Thoroughbreds. Thoroughbreds are also known for hot tempers off the track.

    Famous Racehorses

    • Man O'War and Secretariat are two of the most famous racehorses in history. Man O' War only lost one race in his career. He was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1957. He was also a champion as a sire--Man O'War produced 64 stakes winners and 200 champions. Born in 1970, Secretariat was the first of only two two-year-olds to be crowned "Horse of the Year." His records at the Belmont Stakes and the Kentucky Derby are unbroken as of 2010. He was also ranked#in ESPN's "Greatest Athletes of the 20th Century" series.

    Types

    • Thoroughbred racing is one of the most famous types of horse racing in the world, according to Partners in Thoroughbreds. During this type of race, the jockey sits upon the horse's back. Harness racing, on the other hand, involves a two-wheeled cycle or cart that holds the jockey. The cart is attached to the horse. Horses must be specially trained for harness racing because of the weight of the cart and the effort it takes to pull it.

    Races

    • Some of the most popular horse races in the world are the three components of the Triple Crown: the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and the Belmont Stakes. The Breeders' Cup is a popular series of races that is hosted by various tracks around North America; the 2010 running will be held at Churchill Downs, the home of the Kentucky Derby. The Dubai World Cup was a major step forward in the world of horse racing for Arab nations. Horses from most of the world's continents are flown in to participate in the races in Dubai.

    Thoroughbred Names

    • Thoroughbred racehorses have some unusual names; the naming process is governed by the Jockey Club. A thoroughbred's name may not be longer than 18 characters, consist solely of initials or end in horse-related terms such as colt, filly or mare, according to the Jockey Club. Names that are currently used by active breeding or racing horses and names established as permanent due to induction into the Horse Racing Hall of Fame may not be used.

    Jockeys

    • In the United States, jockeys need to weigh about 110 pounds, and they must allow for the weight from the riding clothes and saddle (approximately three pounds), according to the Jockey Room website. Although shorter jockeys are more aerodynamic, there are many tall jockeys; the United Kingdom's Richard Hughes stands 5 feet 10 inches tall. There are no educational requirements for becoming a jockey; they only need be 16 before training and racing.