A Look At The History Of Horse Racing
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Millions of people all over the globe tune their television sets to the Kentucky Derby. The derby is a modernized version of a sport that was popular centuries ago. A history of horse racing can begin with a mention of the ancient pastime of chariot racing but that would not fully describe the way we look at horse racing today. These days, people do not travel to the Hippodrome to watch chariots being dragged along the track at full speed.
Most everyone is familiar with Henry the Eighth, king of England during the early sixteenth century. Beyond his passion for wives, Henry was an enthusiastic admirer of horses. He would send out his royal agents to Spain, Italy and North Africa with the mandate to import the finest horses from those areas. Henry would then race his new arrivals against horses owned by other nobles. And thus the time honored phrase "The sport of Kings" was most likely born.
Jumping ahead more than two centuries and crossing the Atlantic to England's colony of America, horse racing became an institution, most notably in Kentucky. It was here that virtually every major settlement had a stretch of land off the main thoroughfare that was dedicated to racing horses. Moreover, Kentucky's first Jockey Club had as one of its founders the famous statesman Henry Clay.
Churchill Downs, located in Kentucky, is one of the most famous race tracks in the world and is where the Kentucky Derby is held. It was founded by Colonel M. Lewis Clark, grandson of the famous explorer William Clark. The name Churchill Downs was given in honor of one of his uncles who was an investor in the track.
The track's opening in May of 1875 featured three stakes races that are still being run today: the Kentucky Derby, a clash of the world's best three-year old colts, the Kentucky Oaks, a race for three-year fillies, and the Clark Handicap, and event open to horses three and up.
During the 1950's massive developments and improvements were made to the track. Barns were built with concrete firewalls. The grandstand and clubhouse were equipped with automated sprinkler systems. In 1954 film for replay of the races were put in to aid judges in determining winners.
Through the years visitors from all over the world have reveled in watching the fastest and strongest horses race against each other. Some unforgettable horses have dazzled spectators and their names live on. Kelso, Citation, Secretariat and Barbaro are a few of these names that will stay in the minds and hearts of horse racing fans forever.
Article Source: Articlelogy.com
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