Horse racing has existed since the dawn of civilisation, and the popularity of this pastime continues strong well into the pleasant day. Virtually every nation on the earth hosts some type of competition, and regions not associated with horses still boast fans who follow the latest fixtures with the help of online bookmakers.
However, what are some of the reasons why horse racing has become such a cherished portion of our society? Have scientists been able to uncover its roots? Are there any specific aspects associated with this sport that enable it to stand out from the others? These are some of the questions that will be addressed throughout the remainder of this article, and it is a good idea if we begin by taking a quick look at how horse racing actually began.
Horse Racing 101: A Study in Anthropology
Modern humans began their existence as hunters and gatherers. Before the advent of farming, we were essentially nomadic creatures; migrating from place to place depending on the presence of food. Seasonal changes also dictated where we chose to live. Although we were certainly capable of tracking small game, and foraging for specific plants, it was also apparent that other animals might be helpful when travelling longer distances, or following faster prey. This is when horses entered into the picture.
While it is impossible to determine when horses and early humans first developed a working relationship, anthropological evidence suggests that we began riding horses as far back as 3,000 BCE. How was this determined? Scientists observed wear and tear around specific bones of our ancient ancestors; most notable around the knees and hips. These were consistent with medical conditions experienced by modern horse riders (1). However, artistic depictions of humans and horses did not emerge until significantly later. This is why some scholars debate the exact origins of equine domestication.
The Utility of Horses
It is likely that humans first viewed horses as pack animals. It was certainly clear that these creatures could carry massive amounts of weight when compared to their bipedal counterparts, so it stands to reason that this was the initial appeal. Horses could likewise be used to pull ploughs through fields when sowing crops, so it can be argued that they were just as pivotal in the development of farming (leading to static societies, and fostering additional technological innovations). Indeed, some archaeologists have suggested that the progress of society may have been pushed back for centuries were it not for the presence of horses in early civilisation.
Horses in War
Horses were just as practical when it came to conflicts. There are several examples which can serve to reinforce this point. The Greeks were known for their horse-drawn chariots that could often spell the difference between victory and defeat on the battlefield. The same held true for the Romans, the Goths, and other Northern European cultures. However, there is little doubt that the Mongols were perhaps the most famous culture to embrace horses during conflicts. Images of these hordes crossing the barren steppe on horseback put fear into the hearts of many, and the Mongols were truly formidable foes.
From the Battlefield to the Arena
Thankfully, conflicts were not the only features to define our early civilisation. There were plenty of times when peace dominated society. During these instances, horses became forms of entertainment that attracted massive crowds. The most common example involves the sense of excitement caused by chariot races taking place throughout Greece, and later, within the Roman Colosseum. They likewise featured in gladiatorial battles, and slaves who performed well might have even been granted their freedom.
The popularity of officially sanctioned horse races did not take long to spread, and it began to emerge throughout many other regions during the Middle Ages. Some notable areas included:
- North Africa
- Persia (Babylon in particular)
- China
However, we need to remember that the notion of breeding horses was still in its infancy at the time. This limited the capability of the contestants, and the events would essentially remain the same until the early 17th century. This is when the power of England became clear, and leads us into another subsection.
The Royal Touch
Most historians believe that horse racing began to take on formal overtones thanks in large part to King Charles II of England. Not only was he an avid fan of these competitions, but he introduced a more structured format. The main appeal to competitors was a bundle of prize money known as the “King’s Plate”. Furthermore, those who emerged victorious would enjoy a significant amount of public recognition. This is also when the notion of jousting gained ground. King Charles likewise introduced organised events, and these served to replace the rather rudimentary match races that consisted of only two competitors.
Furthermore, we need to remember that England was a global power during this time. They had the funds to import horses from various far-off locations; Arabia being one of the most prominent. These horses were then cross-bred with mares native to the United Kingdom; giving birth to the Thoroughbred that fans have come to love.
The English government likewise streamlined how the races themselves would be administered. They introduced the now-famous Newmarket Jockey Club, established calendars that would be used to keep track of upcoming events, an created the General Stud Book; a formal registry of all historical breeds in the UK (2). In other words, horse racing was no longer a mere pastime. It was considered to represent an activity associated with the upper classes, and other countries soon followed the role that England set.
Into the New World
Horse racing was introduced to the Americas by the British Empire some time in the early 1600s (it is not thought that horses were present on the continent before this era). Colonists quickly took to the sport; due in large part to the fact that it had come to represent a portion of British culture. They began to breed their own horses, and American Thoroughbreds were soon respected throughout the global community. Having said this, American horse racing did not take on a life of its own until the first Kentucky Derby was held in 1875. This competition now takes place on an annual basis. The United States was also unique in the fact that the industry adopted trends not native to England. One example is the “pari-mutuel” system of wagering that was originally developed in France. Many of these strategies are still used in contemporary competitions.
A Truly Unique Personality Cult
Considering the fact that horse racing is deeply embedded in our collective culture, it is no surprise that countless memorable personalities have emerged over the years. A handful have even become legends in their own right. Frankie Dettori is a prime example. Known for his on-track charisma, and walking away with seven consecutive victories in the 1990s (now known as the “Magnificent Seven”), fans from all walks of live have been drawn to this sport. A handful of additional names deserving recognition include:
- Bill Shoemaker
- Lester Piggott
- Jerry Baily
- Mike Smith
- Tony McCoy
These individuals have become synonymous with top-class racing, and they are also examples for the younger generation of riders.
Modern Technology: The Birth of a New Era
Speaking of the next generation, why have so many younger followers gravitated toward this sport? One major reason is associate with how far technology has come. In the past, the only way to view a race was to be physically present at the track. This was an expensive prospect for some, and others may have been located hundreds of miles away from the venue; making attendance all but impossible.
Things began to change with television, and subsequently, through the introduction of off-track betting (OTB) services. However, it is an undeniable fact that the digital revolution transformed the entire sector as we know it. It is now possible to view the latest odds and fixtures thanks to the presence of online bookmaking platforms. Users can monitor races well in advance, keep track of the latest race-related news, and choose from a variety of wagering strategies. Let’s also remember that traditional middlemen (such as bookies) have been largely eliminated from the equation. This makes the prospect of betting much more affordable, and indeed ma great deal of fun.
Yet another advancement that has already attracted a fair amount of attention is associated with the role that artificial intelligence (AI) may soon play. Here are some of the benefits that this technology can offer:
- AI is capable of collating massive amounts of horse racing information.
- Predictions can be made based on historical performances.
- Variables such as track conditions, the weather, and even the style of the jockey may be used to develop more accurate predictive models.
Another important observation to highlight is that the user-friendly nature of artificial intelligence also signifies that individuals do not necessarily have to posses a great deal of experience to get in on the action. It will be quite interesting to see how these platforms will continue to evolve in the coming years.
The Organic Appeal of Horse Racing
Although it is impossible to overstate the digital advancements that have come to pass over the past decade, we need to remember that horse racing has represented a societal trend for thousands of years. Similar to staring into a campfire, there is something timeless about the competitions, and this aspect continues to mesmerise avid enthusiasts.
Another lesser-known variable that some sociologists have chosen to highlight involves the status that horse racing enjoys. This sport was generally considered to be an upper-class pastime before the middle of the 20th century, so it was relatively inaccessible to the working class. The good news is that horse racing has now become “democratised”, and it is open to anyone with an interest. This has led to a massive influx of new followers, and there is little doubt that such a pronounced trend will continue.
What Does the Future of Horse Racing Have in Store?
We can now see that horse racing boasts a long, and storied, past. So, are there any predictions that may come to light in the next few years? Most analysts agree that technology will continue to exert a massive influence over the sport. It is also likely that the strategies occurring “behind the scenes” will take on decidedly advanced overtones. Some examples of how technology is set to influence horse racing include (3):
- The presence of wearable smart sensors during training sessions to monitor the performance of the horse, and the jockey.
- Targeted equine nutritional programmes.
- More accurate predictive analytics (important for wagering)
Fans can also expect to reap the associated benefits. High-definition online streaming broadcasts, regularly updated odds, and even the presence of virtual reality (VR) headsets will provide even more immersion into the competitions themselves. When we then remember that many online sportsbooks can be accessed from thousands of miles away, followers are no longer limited by traditional geographic boundaries.
A Sport for the Ages
Still, there is one final takeaway point to stress before concluding. While the art of horse racing has evolved over the centuries, its inherent characteristics remain largely unchanged. Viewers still love the thrill of the competition, the majesty of the horses, and the skills that each rider brings to the track.
Whether you are new to the horse racing franchise, or you were simply hoping to learn more about why it attracts so many fans from around the world, the information outlined above should have shed a bit of much-needed light on the subject.
