It’s generally accepted that ‘modern’ horseracing in Britain dates back to some time in the 17th century. Before this date there is some evidence of horseracing during Roman times, and, during the 12th century, there is some evidence to show racing taking place on public holidays, particularly at Smithfield in London, and at Chester in Cheshire.

It’s difficult to pin down an exact date when horse racing became established but mnay people would look to the Stuart dynasty as the start point. King James I (1566 – 1625), developed a passion for horses and horseracing and had a royal palace built near Newmarket –now recognized as the home of organised horseracing in Britain. The Royal interest brought widespread exposure to horseracing and soon public races were soon set up all over the country.

Other Stuart kings, King Charles I and Charles II, bestowed royal patronage on horseracing and the Newmarket area. Charles II was known to be particularly keen, even competing in races himself. He also founded a series of races known as The Royal Plates.

Interestingly, the connection between Charles II, horseracing and Newmarket still survives to today – the Newmarket course, The Rowley Mile, is named from Charles’ own nickname of ‘Old Rowley’ – a name he was give due to his particular fondness for his favourite horse of the same name.

As horseracing’s popularity mushroomed, thanks to its royal connections, a demand was created for better and better horses. Enter the racehorse breeder. Breeding racehorses developed quickly, the main male breeding stock was imported Arabian stallions. These were bred with British mares to create ‘thoroughbred’ breed. Many of today’s horses can track their ancestry all the way back to these Arab stallions.

Mark - a horseracing enthusiast.

Source: www.articlecity.com