Known as the “Sport of Kings”, horse racing has existed in various forms since the mid-seventeenth century. A sport of adrenaline, International Horse Racing, highlights feats of grace, agility, and brute strength, both on the part of the horse and the jockey. This article will review the history of horse racing, types of horse racing, and highlight some of the most prestigious races around the world.

As old as the horse itself, horse racing has existed in many different forms over the centuries. However, the roots of Thoroughbred racing as we know it today can be traced back to the mid 1600′s when the first oval tracks were founded in Long Island and other places. Not long after the foundation of Long Island’s Newmarket track, racing ovals began to appear throughout the United States and Europe. This sport was spread to other places during the onslaught of European colonialism.

Today, Thoroughbreds races on three different types of surfaces: dirt, synthetic, and turf (grass). To the naked eye dirt and synthetic tracks look nearly identical, but they actually handle quite differently and each surface has proponents that argue loudly for its use. In spite of the controversy, many tracks are switching from dirt to synthetic, particularly in Europe, because it seems to reduce injury. Standard races cover a variety of different distances from sprints (a few furlongs) to grueling 1.5 miles races, such as the Belmont stakes

Composed of 3 races: The Kentucky Derby, the Preakness, and the Belmont; the Triple Crown is one of the most challenging and most famous racing series within the United States. Only three year old horses are allowed to compete in these races and winning all three in a single year is a nearly insurmountable challenged. The last Triple Crown was won by Affirmed in 1978.

The center of racing in Europe is Great Brittan, where horse racing has existed almost as long as people have lived there. Many important races are held during the course of the year, including the Coral-Eclipse race held at Sandown Park, and the Epsom Derby, held at Espon Downs. However many other European countries also have well developed racing industries, in particular France where the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe offers more prize money than any other race in Europe.

Within Asia, Japan arguably has the most formidable racing industry. Japan has over 30 race courses and this popular sport attracts many talented horses due to the big purses offered by Japanese tracks. The Japan Cup, which occurs in November, is the most prestigious race in the country and the course covers 1.5 miles over the turf.

Recently, the United Arab Emirates has grown to be a formidable power in horse racing. Several important breeding and training operations have been founded over the last few years and some of the world’s most prestigious races are held here. For example, the Dubai World Cup, which offers more than 6 million dollars in prize money, draws some of the best horses from all over the world

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