Origins of Horse Racing
People have been involved in horse racing since hundreds of years ago. The earliest horse racing took place in the central Asia region. At that time, the nomadic tribesmen would ride on their horses to compete with each other.
The professional horse racing sport started in the 12th century. It all started after the knights made their return from the war. The knights were riding on Arab horses. Thoroughbred horses are stemmed from the arab horses. The thoroughbred horses are used in the horse racing game in England.
When King Charles II reign, horse races are held in the open fields. The winners is the who finish the race fastest with the horse. The winner is bestowed with a price from the king. The first place where the horse racing was held is the Newmarket in Great Britain.
When Queen Anne succeeded the throne, the horse race is already a professional sport. During that time, race courses are build in several locations in England.
The professional jockeys assembled at the Newmarket to develop the Jockey club. The Jockey Club is responsible of creating the rules for the horse racing. In 1814 – 15, the horse races is open for horses that are at least 3 years old.
After a few years, the people starts to breed horses to be used in horse racing. James Weatherby is responsible of records the family history of all the pedigree horses in England. James Weatherby was an accountant for the Jockey Club at that time. Subsequently, he compiled the General Stud Book in 1793. The General Stud Book record all the foal that is born to race in the horse races in England.
Up to this day, the Jockey Club plays an important role in regulating the horse racing. Despite that, the British Horseracing Board is the dominant governing authority.
