Throughout the ages, horses have been bred to be fast. Their stamina is a hallmark of excellence, and the speed that they are able to cover during a race has become a key factor in the success of horse racing. The ability to cover a distance in a short period of time is what prompted the development of horse racing. Horse racing was first organized in North America by the British in 1664 when they took over New Amsterdam. A horse race was a good way to publicize and entertain the inhabitants of the colony.
The earliest races were simply win races. These were run on tracks which were about four feet wide, and horses would compete for the lead. They would run in two lines, one on the inside and one on the outside. The fastest horses would cover four miles in about eight minutes.
After the Civil War, the goal of horse racing changed to speed. The fastest horses were considered to be the most successful, and so they would win. They would be given extra distance to cover, so they could cover a longer stretch of track. They were also given a second prize. In addition, a fourth prize was introduced as the racing of fields of horses became more popular.
The best running positions are on the inner track. The leading position is good for short races and the second is good for longer races. In the outer track, the leading position is considered to be a death hole. In this position, the horse is able to get up to better speed after the turn around. However, only very strong horses can win in this position.
The third place is considered to be an undesirable place. The horse may be trapped all the way to the finish. It may also have very little strength left to give. In this position, the horses behind the leader will be able to pass them.
In the era, the typical handicapping weight was 140 pounds. This weight included the rider’s weight and the riding tack. The horses were also considered to be eligible for a race based on their previous performance. The birthplace of the horses was also taken into account.
Horses were considered eligible for a race if they were born in Virginia or Maryland. The breeding of horses was banned in Maryland, but breeders circumvented the ban by taking pregnant mares to Virginia to give birth to foals. The race was called the “Great” by the Annapolis Maryland Gazette.
Horses that were imported to Virginia were considered more successful than those imported to Maryland. In the era, many jockeys were young male slaves. The era also saw the creation of a new breed of horse known as the Thoroughbred. These were horses which were bred from Middle Eastern sires.
The popularity of horse racing has declined in the modern era. Today, the best American horses rarely race over a mile and a half. Instead, the best horses tend to race over a five-eighths mile track.