Horse races have been part of the sporting landscape for over two centuries. The modern sport of horse racing is the result of a tradition that dates back to the eighteenth century. Today, there are several different types of races, as well as betting on them. You can learn about horse races and betting on them in this article.
Modern horse racing began in the 18th century
Modern horse racing is said to have started in the 18th century in Britain. The first modern races were held in England in 1776 and were called the Oaks and Derby. These races were popular among the nobility in England. They became an important source of income for bookmakers.
Types of horse races
There are several types of horse races. Jump racing is one of the most popular types of horse racing. The horses compete in a course with jumps, and they must be pure Standardbred. These races are popular in England, Ireland, and France.
Betting on horse races
Betting on horse races involves placing bets on the winner of each race. There is a skill element to this type of betting, as you must determine the value of each horse in the field. In addition to the odds, you also need to look for the horse’s sire and dam.
Grand National horse race in Aintree, England
The Aintree Grand National is a famous horse race held annually in England. It has become an important event in the sporting calendar of the country, attracting around 150,000 punters. The race is broadcast on radio and terrestrial television, and is followed by audiences in more than 140 countries. The first Grand National was held in 1839, and there are currently forty horses entered in the race. The race is run over three days in April. The winner receives PS1 million in prize money.
American Triple Crown
The American Triple Crown horse race is similar to its counterparts in other countries, with a horse’s success based on winning the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes in succession. The race has been running for close to 150 years, and thirteen different horses have won it. The Triple Crown horse race was also the first of its kind to be run simultaneously.
Sponsored races
Sponsoring horse races is a great way for companies to get their name out in front of a huge audience. Some companies choose to sponsor just one race, while others opt to sponsor multiple races. Sponsorship opportunities range from a day at the races to large-scale corporate sponsorship. For example, the casino industry is a common sponsor, as a large percentage of spectators will be placing bets. In 2018, more than PS2.5 billion was wagered on horse races.