Things To Know About Horse Racing
When the average American thinks about horse racing, they are likely to think of flamboyant women’s hats, seersucker suits, and mint juleps—and they’re not wrong, as these are traditional accoutrements for the iconic Kentucky Derby. But in order to appreciate the equestrian sport properly, it helps to pick up a few pointers.
Here are a few things you should know about the world of horse racing:
Ancient tradition. The sport of horse racing can be traced back to the ancient Greeks and Romans, although it was a tribe in central Asia who first began domesticating horses circa 4500 BC.
Horse breed heritage. Although there are over 350 horse breeds in the world today, all racehorses are descended from 3 17th-century “foundation” breeds: Darley Arabian, Godolphin Arabian, and Byerly Turk. Thoroughbreds are defined as having DNA that can easily be traced back to one of these ancestors. This makes them ideal for racing, as their “authentic” genetic makeup helps to ensure that they have an even temperament.
Major races. In the US, there are 3 major horse races each year, and together they make up what is known as the Triple Crown. In order of modern occurrence, the first is the Kentucky Derby, which began in 1875; the second is the Preakness Stakes, as of 1873; and the third is the Belmont Stakes, since 1867.
Racehorse naming rules. Learning the whimsical, cryptic, and outlandish names of sporting steeds adds quite a bit of fun intrigue to the sport. In fact, to hear some of them, you might think anything goes in naming conventions. However, there are elaborate rules for naming racehorses.
Team effort. The industry of horse racing isn’t centered merely on the races themselves, even if they are the reason for the sport’s existence. Preparing a racehorse for competition requires the work of breeders, farriers (hoof care specialists), veterinarians, exercise riders, trainers, jockeys, and horse owners. At the racetrack, there are paddock judges (pre-race vetting officials), racetrack outriders (for track maintenance), trackside veterinarians, bookies, commentators, photographers, and more.
Enjoy Horse-Racing Fever at Del Mar Village
Del Mar Village is a quaint seaside community rich in history, striking natural beauty, and European charm. First renowned during the golden era of the movie industry, Del Mar was the retreat for Hollywood’s biggest movie stars, who came to enjoy its peaceful ambiance, pristine beaches, and exhilarating thoroughbred horse racing at the Del Mar racetrack.
Located just 20 miles north of San Diego on the Southern California coastline, Del Mar Village is unique in its offering of a vibrant small-town atmosphere, sprawling natural playground along the Pacific Ocean, and the casual sophistication of a world-class destination.
If you’re ready for a glamorous and rejuvenating West Coast retreat, check out our Visitor Guide and subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on our latest events and offerings.