Let’s talk about one of the oldest sports in the world—horse racing. This sport has a history as fascinating as any royal drama, and it started much earlier than you may think. So, saddle up as we take a closer look.
The Starting Gate
Believe it or not, horse racing predates the written word. The first records of horse racing trace back to the nomadic tribes of Central Asia around 4500 BC.
The Sport of Kings
In the 12th century, English knights returned from the Crusades with swift Arabian horses. This is when horse racing became a professional sport. By the time of King James I of England, the sport was dubbed the “Sport of Kings” because, well, only the wealthiest could afford to breed and train racing horses.
Horse Racing in America
Horse racing hopped over the pond to America with the British settlers. The first American race track was laid out on Long Island as early as 1665. By the 19th century, races like the Kentucky Derby started popping up, becoming the iconic events we know today.
The American twist? Thoroughbreds. America went all in on breeding these fast horses, making the U.S. a powerhouse in the racing world.
