umans have raced horses for a very long time; in fact there is evidence of the Greek's racing horses all the way back in 700 BC. The ideals of racing as it is known today were developed during the rule of King James I in the 17th century, whereby the heart of racing became Newmarket in the UK. The British racing community sets the standard for the code worldwide, and created a set of races that define the best thoroughbreds racing today - the Derby, Oaks and St. Leger.
In Australia, horses arrived with the first fleet in 1788, and in the years that followed a number of Arabian stallions arrived that are regarded as the foundation of the Australian breeding industry. The Arabian breed was developed some 5000 years ago in the harsh desert climates of the middle east. Three Arabian stallions can be traced in every modern day thoroughbred pedigree - the Byerly Turk, the Darley Arabian and the Godolphin Arabian.
1810
the first race meeting was held in Australia.
By 1825 the Sydney Turf Club was formed.
Throughout its history, there has been a rich tapestry of royalty. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is an avid equestrienne and her horses have raced with tremedous success. The royal families of the United Arab Emirates are a fundametal part of racing today as their studs and racing operations provide hundreds of thousands of jobs worldwide.
Racing isn't just for the wealthy - and every potential owner has to learn that the biggest price tag does not guarantee a winner. It is common to syndicate a horse, which allows for levels of owners to join in the sport of kings.
Today the breeding business is somewhat separate from racing. Studs sell to owners and training bodies, and these owners sell the horse back once the horse has finished racing. It sets up a thoroughbred-based economy that ensures the racing circle of life continues.
racehorses have to be registered thoroughbreds.
The TB can come in five shades - black, brown, bay, chestnut and gray.
As young horses, their coats often show a mixture and can be regisstered as bay.brown or grey/chestnut etc.
White markings on horses' legs are called socks, and a white marking on the head is called a star, blaze or stripe. They can have a splash of white on their nose called a snip.
Horses are measured in hands, a hand is around 4 inches, and the average horse is around 15-16 hands. This is measured at the top of the shoulder, a part known as the whither. The TB is spirited, intelligent and bred for speed and agility.
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