Horse Racing: Racing in England. Organized mounted horse racing began in England with the opening in 1174 of the public racecourse in Smithfield, London. Contests were run over a 4-mile route, the distance of the ancient chariot races. The first award (a wooden ball) to the owner of a winning horse was presented in 1512 at the fair in Chester, a well-established horse center. It was here in 1609 that awards were first given to the winning owners of the first three placements.
Racing in England. Organized mounted horse racing began in England with the opening in 1174 of the public racecourse in Smithfield, London. Contests were run over a 4-mile route, the distance of the ancient chariot races. The first award (a wooden ball) to the owner of a winning horse was presented in 1512 at the fair in Chester, a well-established horse center. It was here in 1609 that awards were first given to the winning owners of the first three placements. |
