What Sport Is Called The Sport Of Kings? (Revealed!)
I have always loved myths.
The characters described in those stories have such potent attributes, both good and bad.
I suppose we love lore so much because we can often see parts of ourselves bleed through in the thoughts, speech and actions of the main actors.
The model of the king is considered by many to be the most important of the masculine archetypes.
A person possessing the qualities of a king are thought to have the aspects of a strong warrior.
A well rounded king would be brave and athletic.
A king has access to wealth, fame and power.
He is able to enjoy activities that the common man will probably never experience.
Horse racing has been termed the “sport of kings”. The first jockeys were kings. One of the oldest sports, horse racing has remained unchanged, generally speaking, for centuries. In more recent history, Thoroughbred racing became popular with the royals. This is seen in British society.
Horse racing often is reserved for those who come from “old money” or who have access to massive amounts of corporate money.
Wealthy and powerful people are often involved in the industry.
Equestrians through history have developed their riding skills by racing on horses.
These competitions require advanced abilities from both the horse and the rider.
The most common style of racing today is “flat racing”, where horses run between point A and point B around a straight or oval track.
How Old Is Horse Racing?
Archaeology suggests there was horse racing in the times of Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, Babylon, Syria, and Egypt. Mention of horse competitions is even found in Norse Mythology, in the stories of the god Odin and the giant Hrungir.
Horse racing as we know it today had its beginnings in the 12th century.
Horses returning from Arabia with English knights were bred for speed.
These early Thoroughbreds were a combination of English mares and Arab stallions.
Around this time, private wagering on races began among aristocrats.
In 1660, match horse racing events started at Newmarket.
The first horse racetrack in America was created in 1665.
Do Horses Like Racing?
One thing that’s certain, horses love to run.
If we look at the lifestyle of wild horses, running is a big part of how they live.
When it comes to racing domesticated horses, every horse is different.
Some horses seem to have more drive for competition than others, or lead the group.
Others enjoy running in part of a group, and leading isn’t important to them.
Thoroughbreds are bred to race, and seem more inclined to the sport as a result.
If a trained racing horse horse is happy with his trainers, the training methods, his groomers, and general environment, he will perform well.
What is the Economic Significance of Horse Racing?
A large part of horse racing’s popularity is the gambling associated with it.
In 2008, horse racing generated a market worth 115 billion worldwide.
The winner of the Kentucky Derby will net over 1 million dollars.
Horse racing draws many spectators who can afford to lose.
In a worsening economic situation, however,many turn to gambling in order to get by.
The most vulnerable are those living at or below the poverty line, who risk everything in their quest for a better life.
Gambling can be addictive, and most gamblers are losers.
Many families go deep into debt when they bet everything on the races.
Are Jockeys Allowed to Bet?
British Horseracing Authority’s rulebook states:
“A Professional Jockey must not lay or back bet on a horse in any race, or instruct another person to do so, or receive proceeds from such a bet.”
A jockey is not allowed to bet if they are taking part in a race, but they can bet on a race they are not involved with. This also applies to amateur jockeys. In addition, a jockey’s agent is not allowed to lay a bet on a horse that is being ridden by one of their clients.
Why do Some Consider Horse Racing to be Cruel?
For many years, people have accused the sport of horse racing to be cruel.
It is true that many horses face abuse, injury, and illness.
Behind the scenes, the horses can experience drug abuse, and have been known to have physical and mental breakdowns.
Many are forced to achieve high speeds through methods such as electric shock.
In Australia, from 2017-2018, 119 horses died on the track.
Typical injuries a race horse will sustain include fractures, cardiac arrest, internal bleeding, and breathing issues.
What type of Track to Races Take Place On?
Races happen on either dirt, synthetic, or turf.
Sometimes the track is a combination of these types.
Dirt tracks are the fastest.
They’re very firm, and are typical in North and South America, Japan, and the Middle East.
Synthetic tracks can accommodate all weather conditions. In temperate locations, especially in Europe, turf is typical.
Is Horse Racing in the Olympics?
Horse racing is not included in the Olympic Games.
Dressage, Jumping, and Eventing are the horse related sports that are part of the modern Olympic Games.
The reason that horse racing is not an Olympic sport is because it’s a betting sport and there is animal cruelty associated with horse racing.
Chariots and riding races were part of the early Olympic games, around the time of 684 BC.
When is Horse Racing Season?
Racing season in Australia starts August 1st. It ends on July 30th.
Saturday is the main day races are held.
In Hong Kong, the racing season is September to July.
In the United States the season is February to July.
Horse racing, although full of controversy, shows no signs of stopping any time soon.
It remains to be seen whether better practices and standards will change the industry in future years to benefit the horses.
It is a place where fame, fortune and glamour meet exploitation and injury to the animals who make the Sport of Kings possible.