Interesting Facts About Horse Racing You Probably Didn't Know

Horse racing has a storied past full of fascinating anecdotes and astounding records because of the sport's longevity and widespread popularity.

Britain and the USA have been instrumental in the sport's growth, and it is likely more ingrained in the British and American cultures than in any other. But there is always something new to learn in this sport.

Here is a compilation of fascinating discoveries concerning the widely-adored racing sport as you consider making sports betting and gambling on Juicy Casino your favorite pastime.

1. The Industry Is Worth Billions

The annual economic impact of horse racing in the United States is estimated at $36.6 billion.

The horse racing sector also employs over 472,000 individuals. Among the many professions under this umbrella include trainers, jockeys, stewards, and those working in the food service industry at racetracks.

The Cheltenham Festival and the Randox Health Grand National are two of the most famous horse races in the world, attracting millions of viewers from all over the globe and contributing over £3.7 billion towards the British economy.

2. The Jockey Club Approves Thoroughbred Names

The Jockey Club has rules that must be followed while naming a racehorse which is a time-consuming and deliberate process.

The Jockey Club will select a name from a list of up to six options provided by the owners. With spaces and punctuation, a name must be at most 18 characters long in the United States.

Numbers below 30 are allowed in names, but not those above. The Jockey Club will not allow horses to be named after living humans without their express written consent. There is a long list of regulations, but one of the most important ones is that the horse's moniker cannot be used again for at least five years after it is retired from racing and breeding.

3. The Sport Has Been Around For Over 5000 Years

Just as the development of the horse's body is a mystery, so are the beginnings of horse competition. Indeed, the horse has progressed dramatically from the prehistoric wolf species that wandered the prairies to the exquisite thoroughbred horses we see racing today.

Initially, people consumed their flesh and milk. They didn't wait long, though, and soon mounted them and rode from settlement to settlement.

Humans are naturally competitive. Therefore, it was only a short time before horse owners dared one another to race their mounts. This means the first horse races most likely occurred in Kazakhstan around 5,000 years ago.

4. Thoroughbred Horses Have Lip Tattoos

Most state racing commissions mandate that Thoroughbred horses must have a lip tattoo to compete in an official horse race. The tattoo gives the Thoroughbred an extra identifier for use in competition.

Hidden above the upper lip, it consists of a single letter and five digits. Horses' ages are denoted by letters, while digits represent their Jockey Club registration numbers. The official name of the horse and details about its racing history are available.

5. The Oldest Horse Racetrack In The US Started Operating In 1665

The sport is older than the United States itself. In the early 1700s, North America was home to its first purpose-built horse racing track.

Newmarket, the earliest American racecourse, debuted on Long Island around 1665.

Racing was widespread throughout the region; however, it wasn't until around 1868 that it took off nationally. The American Studbook also began operations that same year.

In the United States, horse racing and betting on races increased in popularity. In the United States, there were 314 active racetracks by the year 1890. Many individuals around the globe now regularly tune in to watch horse racing.

6. Betting Is Behind Horse Racing Survival

From the beginning of horse racing, punters have been placing wagers. People have long been interested in horse racing because of the opportunity to bet on the outcome. Another reason horse racing remains one of the most popular global sports is the widespread acceptance of betting on the event.

As anti-gambling fervor swept the United States at the turn of the 20th century, many states passed laws prohibiting wagers on equine events. This almost put an end to the sport forever. However, the sport's fortunes improved until horses prevailed in the Triple Crown.

7. The Race Horses Hold Are Extremely Valuable

You likely know by this point that good racehorses, especially those that place in the major races, are not inexpensive. One of the planet's most significant horse breeding operations, Coolmore Ireland, paid $70 million for a racehorse named Fusaichi Pegasus in 2000.

This stallion of the thoroughbred breed won over $2 million in his racing career. The fact that Fusaichi Pegasus won the prestigious 2000 Kentucky Derby did not harm his bank account.

When this magnificent stallion's stud services were no longer lucrative in 2020, he was retired to the pasture. Fusaichi Pegasus currently maintains the record as the most expensive racehorse ever. It's only a matter of time before another stallion breaks this one because records are intended to be broken.

Takeaway

Horse racing has a rich history full of incredible stories and facts. Whether you're a passionate racing enthusiast or just someone who appreciates horses, you must realize that horseracing is terrific.

Those are only a few intriguing facts about horse racing, while this popular cavalry activity creates new stories each day.