Horse racing originated in the ancient world of the Greeks. And like a number of other events in history, this sport was passed on to Romans that have learned to be obsessed with the sport. The Greeks in those days incorporated this game within the Olympics, which helped it gain natural popularity.
The origin of the game in United Kingdom though begins with the importation of Arabian stallions into England during and following the Crusades. The amalgamation of the stock from Middle East as well as the breeds in Europe resulted in the emergence of a swift runner having a steady build.
During the course of Europe’s horse racing history, we can easily observe that the sport was dedicated primarily towards the noble and royal families alone. The commoners served as the spectators.
In fact, Charles II and Queen Anne were known to have been enthusiastic about horse racing that both had public and private horse racing competitions held through their very own initiatives.
Horse racing in Europe was marked later with the development of various racing arenas throughout the land. However, professional horse racing occurred while in the 16th century once the great classics were established.
Before America had got its American Jockey Club, Europe had already established the very first governing body for horse racing. In line with this, they have already accomplished various things pertaining to horse racing.
The Jockey Club of England was established because of the movement initiated by the elite of horse racing. This then became the overseer of racetracks, races, standards for horse breeds, and event rules and regulations. In short, they formalized the sport, as you may know of today during 1750s. The Jockey Club has also been the cause of the early determination of breeding lines of the horses.
James Weatherby, an official from the Jockey Club was the first to distinguish the founding sires of the stallions that people now know as Thoroughbreds.
During the entire progression of the sport, different types were formed. They are known as the classics.
Among the most popular are St. Leger which was founded during 1776, the Oaks that was founded three years after, the next year produced the Derby, 2,000 Guineas in 1809 and 1000 Guineas which was created five years after.
All these, among other events, were created through the formation of the Jockey Club.
St. Leger
St. Leger was founded by the former Irish soldier Lieutenant Colonel Anthony St Leger. The very first event under this category occured on September 24, 1776. It has the longest distance among the English Classics, which ran over 132 yards, 1m and 6f.
On our present sense, this range was relatively short which resulted in questioning its worth since ranges seem to have switched to more glamorous distances. This game existed for 227 years but was canceled during the Civil War.
The Derby
This horse racing event rooted from a race that had been devised by Edward Smith Stanley who was the Earl of Derby during 1779. With his friends, they meant to race only among themselves over 1 1/2 miles. It was named after his estate, Oaks. The race has grown to be successful and the following year saw the 2nd race of its kind.
The actual race was then founded after the Earl won in a game of flipped coin with his friend Sir Charles Bunbury, then was an excellent racing figure.
These are merely a couple of the most famous English Classics. Central to all these is that inspite of the presence of horse racing among other cultures, Europe is still credited for being the proponent for the 1st formal exhibition of horse racing.