History of Racing

Ancient origins

Horseracing is believed to date from 4,500 BC, after nomadic tribesman in Central Asia first managed to domesticate wild horses. The Jockey Club was formed in about 1750 but well before that racing – arguably Britain’s oldest organised sport – had already attracted some distinguished followers.

The sport of kings

English kings and queens were keen to prove their superiority through the quality of their horses. Henry VIII was an enthusiastic breeder of horses, and the reign of his daughter Elizabeth I saw the first running of two of today’s oldest races: the Carlisle Bell and the Cumberland Plate both still run at Carlisle.

Following the English Civil War Oliver Cromwell banned all race meetings, despite maintaining a healthy stud farm of his own. However, the restoration to the throne of Charles II brought about racing’s resurgence and it slowly began to be transformed into the sport we know today. The King was much more than a mere spectator, racing his own horse to victory at Newmarket more than once. His enthusiasm also ensured that race meetings began to become major events in the social calendar.

Flat racing and the National Hunt

At the turn of the 19th Century all official horse races were run over flat ground. However, the riders in “classic” races like Newmarket’s 1,000 and 2,000 Guineas weren’t the only ones putting their horses to the test. In the rural landscapes of Ireland and Somerset, the demands of fox hunting had encouraged competitions that required both speed and jumping ability. “Steeplechasing”, in which rivals would race to distant church spires over any obstacles that were found in their way, was a rapidly growing pastime.