Interesting facts about horse racing

Horse racing is a favorite pastime for a lot of people around the world. People gather at racetracks in huge numbers to watch and enjoy the thrill and excitement of horse racing.

It is also one of the oldest sports in the world, with its origins dating back to 4500 BC. Today, horse racing is extremely popular in the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Australia and Japan. The Kentucky Derby, Melbourne Cup, Grand National and Cheltenham Festival are some of the most famous races in these countries. Whenever these races are near, you will find people searching for the best betting offers such as Grand National 2023 to enjoy their favourite activity.

1- It is also called ‘The Sport of Kings’

Horse racing is also known as “The Sports of Kings.” It is said that King James I was so interested in horse racing that even the Parliament had to urge him to refocus on his duty as king.

King James also held horse racing at Newmarket, which was later made into the headquarters of British racing by his son. This sport became increasingly popular among the royalty, and became known as the Sports of Kings.

2- It is huge industry and provides enormous employment opportunities

Horse racing is one of the most popular sports in many countries of the world. It is said that the sport brings around $36 billion into the economy in the US. Not only that, over 400,000 people are provided employment opportunities by the horse racing industry. These workers include jockeys, trainers and food workers, etc.

3- Thoroughbreds have a common birthday

It might surprise you to know that all Thoroughbreds have a common birthday. The birthday of those born in the Northern Hemisphere is January 1 while those in the Southern Hemisphere is August 1.

The rule was made in order to keep track of a horse’s age. In big races, there is a certain age limit. For example, only three years old can compete in the famous Kentucky Derby.

4- Retirement after racing as three-year-olds

It might surprise you to know that the majority of the thoroughbred horses start their careers at the age of two. Some continue racing until the age of five or six but many retire after racing as three-year-olds. They then start a career in horse breeding.

5- First horse race track in America

Horse racing is also very popular in America, with the sport having a huge fan following. The country also boasts a long history of horse racing. It is said that the first horse racetrack goes all the way back to the 1600s.

Organized racing started taking place in the country in 1868. That was the year when the American Studbook started. Over the years, the popularity of gambling on the sport increased. Today, there are millions of fans who watch horse racing on their televisions.

6- Becoming a jockey is difficult

Many people dream of becoming a jockey but not everyone can realize their dream. This is because there are several conditions one must fulfill in order to become a jockey.

For example, one must get their jockey license for which it is necessary to be at least 18 years old. Not only that, they have maintain a certain weight as it is an important aspect of horse racing. Jockeys must also have good knowledge about racing.

Most of the jockeys try to fulfill their dream by getting an apprenticeship or earning a degree at North American Racing Academy. This is the only institution in America where jockeys are trained.

7- The oldest horse race in the world

What is the oldest horse race in the world? Many might not know the answer to this question, not even the regular followers of horseracinginsider. Well, it is said that Kiplingcotes Derby has that distinction of being the oldest. The race dates all the way back to 1519.

The Kiplingcotes Derby happens every year in the East Riding of Yorkshire, England. Any horse can take part in this race as it hasn’t kept any age limit. The race also happened in 2020 but only two riders were competing due to the corona virus pandemic.