Introduction
The history of horse racing dates back to ancient times when chariot races were prevalent. Successful racehorses were selectively bred to perpetuate their bloodlines, even in the earliest days. The Arab Bedouins are renowned for pioneering the practice of breeding Arabian horses through a process of selective purity.
It was in ancient Greece around 648 BC that the first races with riders took place, marking a significant milestone.
With the rise of the Roman Empire, horse racing saw occasional events, but chariot races were the norm. The Roman Emperor Lucius Septimius Severus in 208 AD who settled in Yorkshire, England, is believed to have established the first race track in England.
In the 8th century, the Arabs’ conquest of Spain introduced Europe to their strong and swift horses, particularly the renowned Arabian steeds. The fame of these Arabian horses spread across Europe.
The first documented races in England took place in 1074 at Smithfield Track, and from the 14th century onward, an increasing number of Arab, Barb, and Turkish horses were brought to England for breeding purposes. Crossing these lighter and swifter stallions with heavier English mares resulted in the development of a sturdier horse suitable for both warfare and racing.
Racing continued to evolve in England with the support of King James I and King Charles I in the early 1600s. Racing was briefly banned by Cromwell in 1654, but was reinstated by King Charles II, who was an avid racing enthusiast, in 1660. Consequently horse racing became known as the Sport of Kings.
The Arabian horse that had the most significant influence on shaping the modern Thoroughbred breed was the Darley Arabian. Brought to England in 1704, he himself never raced, his legacy lived on through his great-great-grandson, the legendary racehorse Eclipse who remained undefeated in 21 races. Approximately 90% of today’s Thoroughbreds trace their male lineage back to Eclipse.
Video: Arabian Horse racing in Liwa International Festival organized by the Liwa Sports Club