Horse Racing-a Timeless Sport

By Author: Jamie Fox
Total Articles: 2
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Horse racing is a form of equestrian sport that has been practiced since time immemorial. Archaeological records have shown mankind raced horses and chariots even in the days of ancients Romans and ancient Greek Olympics. In the modern age Horse Racing was primarily an Anglo Saxon event practiced by the British in the 15th and 16th centuries. Because of the eventual spread of the British Empire and at the same time spread of British Cultural influence the modern form of Horse racing as we come to know it was spread throughout the world.

The technique of racing, the distances and the type of events differ considerably by the country in which the race is occurring, and various countries offer special types of horse races. Horse Racing has a significant amount of economy associated with it. In general, horse racing is of three types. The most widely practiced amongst all is the flat racing, which entails a horse bearing a jockey on its back racing a fixed amount of ground with all other horses. The steeplechase format of Horse Racing is based on horses moving over small obstacles and no dislodging any of the obstacles. ...
... The third variety is the Harness Racing in which the jockey is pulled on a small chariot called a sulky behind the horse.

At many horse races, there is a gambling station, where gamblers can stake money on a horse. However, gambling on horses is banned at a few tracks. Where gambling is permitted, most tracks offer pari-mutuel betting where gamblers' money is pooled and shared in ratio among the champs once a calculation is made from the pool. In some countries, chiefly those of the former British Empire, an alternative and more popular facility is provided by bookmakers who effectively make a market in odds. This allows the gambler to 'lock in' odds on a horse at a particular time.

Horse racing is generally a tradition in many parts of the world. Many of the racing grounds where racing has been done for centuries have become treasured monuments to the history of that region. Horse Racing has also helped create the industry of horse breeding for specialized purposes such as racing. Thoroughbred horses like Arabian Horses are famous for long endurance racing. However, quarter racing which involves racing over only 400 meters required a different breed of horses. This was the specialty of American bred quarter horses. Worldwide the racing industry contributes deals with more than several hundred million dollars worth of business every year.

About the Author:
Jamie fox is a sports lover cum writer and a player of sports betting. His articles inspire people to be involved in Horse Racing.