Horse racing originated in the ancient world of the Greeks. And like many other events in history, this sport was forwarded to Romans that have learned to become obsessive about the sport. The Greeks back then incorporated this game within the Olympics, which helped it gain natural popularity.
The origin of the game in Uk though begins with the importation of Arabian stallions into England during and following the Crusades. The combination from the stock from Middle East as well as the breeds in Europe led to the emergence of a swift runner having a steady build.
During the course of Europe’s horse racing history, we can easily notice 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 private and public 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 during the 16th century when the great classics were established.
Before America had got its American Jockey Club, Europe had already established the first governing body for horse racing. In accordance with this, they have already accomplished various things pertaining to horse racing.
The Jockey Club of England was established due to 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 other words, they formalized the sport, as we know of today during 1750s. The Jockey Club has also been the cause of early determination of breeding lines of the horses.
James Weatherby, the official of the Jockey Club was the first person to distinguish the founding sires of the stallions that we now know as Thoroughbreds.
During the entire development of the sport, different types were formed. These are called as the classics.
One of the most popular are St. Leger that 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 that was created five years after.
All these, among other events, were created from 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 was held on September 24, 1776. It offers the longest distance among the list of 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 the race that had been devised by Edward Smith Stanley who had been the Earl of Derby during 1779. Along with his friends, they meant to race only among themselves over 1 1/2 miles. This 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 once the Earl won in a bet on flipped coin with his friend Sir Charles Bunbury, then was an excellent racing figure.
These are just two of the most famous English Classics. Central to all these is the fact that despite the presence of horse racing among other cultures, Europe continues to be credited for being the proponent for the 1st formal exhibition of horse racing.