Horse racing was once a part of the Olympic Games in ancient Greece. The Romans also embraced the sport. Even in ancient times, people were drawn to the sport of racing.
Racing spread throughout Europe. Arabian stallions imported from the Middle East were bred with horses from Europe to create very fast racehorses.
Horse racing was primarily a sport for royalty and noble families throughout Europe, though commoners were involved as spectators of the sport.
It is known that Charles II and Queen Anne were so passionate about horse racing, they put on both public and private horse racing events.
Racing venues were developed throughout Europe and in the 16th century, the classic races were started.
In England in the mid-1700s, racing began developing under a racing governing body, the Jockey Club of England. The club was formed from racing's most elite members and was responsible for instituting rules and regulations to govern horse racing including governing racing venues, specific races and breed standards for race horses.
The founding sires of the Thoroughbred breed of horses known in racing today was first distinguished by the Jockey Club's James Weatherby.
The United Kingdom is home to several classic races that we still enjoy watching today.
Some of the classics created in the late-1700s and early-1800s include the St. Leger, the Oaks, the Derby, the 2000 Guineas and the 1000 Guineas.
St. Leger
The St. Leger was founded in 1776 by the Irish Lieutenant Colonel Anthony St. Leger. This is a distance race at 1 mile and 6 furlongs long.
The St. Leger is the final Classic race run in England each year and is the final leg in the English Triple Crown after the 2,000 Guineas and the Derby.
The Derby
The Epsom Derby, referred to simply as The Derby, is run over a distance of 1 mile and 4 furlongs. It is the richest race in England as well as being the middle leg of the English Triple Crown. was first run on May 4, 1780.
2,000 Guineas
In 1809, the first 2,000 Guineas race was run. It is now the first leg of the English Triple Crown and is run over a distance of 1 mile.
1,000 Guineas
First run in 1814, this race is only open to fillies. It is the first leg of the Triple Crown for fillies and is followed by the Oaks and the St. Leger. The 1,000 Guineas is run over a distance of 1 mile.
The Oaks
First run in 1779, The Oaks is run over a distance of 1 mile, 4 furlongs and 10 yards. Like the 1,000 Guineas, it is restricted to fillies.
World Horse Racing Betting offers resources for horse racing enthusiasts including horse racing information, a directory of race tracks world-wide and reviews of betting software. Visit http://blog.worldhorseracingbetting.com/ for more information.
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