The History and Evolution of Thoroughbred Horse Racing
Thoroughbred horse racing, famously dubbed the “Sport of Kings,” has a rich history that spans millennia and encompasses numerous cultures. The sport, epitomised by speed, strategy, spectacle, and of course beautiful Thoroughbred horses, has evolved significantly since its humble beginning in ‘olden times’.
In this post, we explore the history and evolution of horse racing. From its ancient origins to the development of the sleek equine athlete associated with the sport… In Part 2, we consider the spread of racing from Europe to the furthest reaches of the globe – Australia, America, and South East Asia.
Ancient Beginnings
Horse racing can trace its roots back to ancient civilisations. Chariot racing in particular was popular in ancient Greece and Rome. However, these contests were more feats of endurance rather than the short racing events we’re familiar with today.
Ridden horse races began some time later. For example, there are reports of ridden horse races in the Olympic Games from 648BCE.
Ancient Egypt
Horse-drawn chariots were used in warfare and hunting. However, organised chariot racing became more prominent during the New Kingdom period (circa 1550-1070 BCE).
Ancient China
During the Zhou Dynasty (circa 1046-256 BCE), there are records of horse riding and racing as part of military training and noble entertainment.
Ancient Greece
Chariot racing was a significant event in the Olympic Games, first held in 776 BC. There is also evidence of chariot racing here from around the 8th century BCE.
As mentioned above, ridden horse races (as opposed to chariot races) were included in the ancient Olympic Games from 648 BC. The event was known as the “keles,” and it involved a jockey riding a horse over a specified distance.
Ancient Rome
Chariot racing gained popularity during the Roman Empire, especially in the Circus Maximus. This was a purpose-built facility constructed in the 6th century BCE to host chariot racing.
Ancient Persia
Persian history also mentions ridden horse races, particularly in the context of cavalry training and competition.
The Middle Ages and the Renaissance
During the Middle Ages, horse racing saw a decline in Europe. This was largely due to the fall of the Roman Empire and the ensuing societal upheaval. However, the sport began to resurge during the Renaissance, fuelled by the nobility’s growing interest in breeding and racing horses. Notably in England, records of organised races date back to the 12th century.
The Birth of Modern Thoroughbred Horse Racing
The modern era of horse racing began to take shape in the 17th century in England. King Charles II (ruled from 1660–1685) is often referred to as the ‘father of English turf.’ In particular, he played a pivotal role in establishing Newmarket as the heart of English horse racing. He was, like many of his predecessors, an avid horseracing enthusiast and regularly attended races. He was also instrumental in formalising the sport by instituting rules and regulations, including weight restrictions and race distances.
Charles II’s patronage and active involvement in racing helped elevate its status, attracting the nobility and gentry to participate and invest in horse breeding and racing. Notably, his legacy includes the establishment of the first official race meetings and the promotion of horse racing as a structured and prestigious sport in England.
Races of his day were much longer than they are today however! Horses often ran in several heats before contesting the final event! It was certainly not a sport for the fainthearted – horse or jockey!
But = we still can’t, yet, call ‘the sport of kings’ Thoroughbred horse racing!
Thanks in part to this legacy, the 18th century saw the introduction of formalised racecourses throughout England. We also saw the creation of classic races such as the St Leger Stakes (1776), the Oaks (1779), and the Derby (1780).
Evolution of Thoroughbred Racehorse Breeding
The evolution of horse racing is closely linked to the development of horse breeds specifically for the sport. Notably the Thoroughbred, renowned for its speed and endurance, emerged in early 18th century England and quickly rose to prominence as a superior equine athlete.
But, as we’re about to see, the racehorses of the time could more appropriately be called race ponies! And they remained pony-sized until at least the latter part of the 1600’s.
What Horses Were Used in Pre-Thoroughbred Horse Racing?
‘Before Tbs’, horse racing in the UK relied heavily on native breeds such as the Scottish Galloway and Irish Hobby. These breeds, though small in stature, were renowned for their endurance, speed, and agility, making them the racehorses of choice until the end of the 1600s.
There was also a strong tradition between European rulers of exchanging horses as ‘gifts’. To this end, monarchs like Henry VIII (1491-1547) sent Galloways and Hobbies to European rulers. And received European horses in return. Some were mares, and it’s likely the female descendants of some of these Royal Mares are amongst the various English taproot mares.
The Horses Used in Pre-Thoroughbred Racing
Galloways: Originating from the border regions of Scotland and England, Galloways were small, sturdy horses known for their exceptional stamina and speed. They were highly valued for their versatility and were commonly used in racing, as well as for general riding and work purposes.
Irish Hobby: The Irish Hobby was a swift and agile horse, prized for its speed and endurance. These horses were smaller in stature but highly athletic, making them ideal for racing and other competitive activities.
Development of the Thoroughbred
It’s widely acknowledged that the development of the Thoroughbred breed involved the careful crossing of superior native mares with imported stallions, particularly from the Middle East and North Africa. However, this practice probably wasn’t all that widespread until closer to the end of the 1600’s. Certainly, a famous drawing of Charles II attending a race meeting in 1684, a year before his death, clearly shows Galloways and/or Hobbies were still the racehorse of choice at the time!
There’s also a notion that exotic ‘foreign Royal mares’ played a big role in the development of the Tb. Modern mitochondrial DNA research however suggests that the number of imported mares used to develop the breed was relatively small. It also indicates they were likely to have been Barbs rather than Oriental or Arabian horses per se.
In fact, the research tells us that around 61% of the matriarchal blood in the Tb originated with British and Irish native stock (i.e. Galloways and Hobbies). Around 31% is non-Arab Oriental in origin, and predominantly Barb. Arab mares (as a breed) contributed only around 8%.
Importation and Breeding Practices
The gradual introduction of Middle Eastern, Turkoman, and Barb stallions into England during the late 16th and early 17th centuries though DID play a crucial role in shaping the Thoroughbred breed.
These stallions were bred with the finest native racing mares. The goal was to create a horse that possessed the size, speed and agility of the Middle Eastern stallions with the robustness and resilience of the English mares. The resulting crossbred horses soon demonstrated their superior speed and endurance, and became the preferred stock for breeding racehorses. Thus, the foundation for the modern Thoroughbred was laid.
A Closer Look At The 3 Foundation Sires Of The Modern Thoroughbred
L – R: Byerley Turk, Darley Arabian, and Godolphin Arabian
Many foreign stallions made their way to England’s shores during this time, and left their mark on the breed through their daughters, or broodmare sire sons. But – when it comes to male lineages, there’s no doubt 3 stallions stood head and shoulders above the rest in terms of their contribution to the breed.
These stallions were of course the Byerley Turk, Darley Arabian, and Godolphin Arabian. This trio, and their most prominent sons, are credited with founding the enduring Thoroughbred sire lines that still exist today.
The Byerley Turk
History suggests the Byerley Turk was probably captured from the Ottomans during the Siege of Buda in 1686 (although some sources believe he was locally bred). A striking dark bay, massively built Turkoman horse, he was brought to England by his captor, Captain Robert Byerley. The captain subsequently used him as his own cavalry mount.
Known for his speed and endurance, the Byerley Turk stood at stud in Yorkshire where he covered many good local racing mares. His most notable male descendant is Herod (also known as King Herod). Herod was a prominent 18th-century racehorse and sire whose bloodline continues to influence modern Thoroughbreds.
Modern lines descending from the Byerley Turk include the Hyperion and Whalebone lines.
The Darley Arabian
A bay horse of the Muniqui Arabian strain, the Darley Arabian was foaled in 1700 in the Syrian Desert. His original name is believed to have been either Manak or Manica, possibly a reference to that strain.
Thomas Darley, a British merchant stationed in the British Consul in Aleppo, saw the colt as a youngster and was struck by the horse’s superior quality and good looks. He arranged to buy him and have him shipped to England. Several versions of subsequent events exist. But, regardless, the young stallion ultimately arrived in England in 1704, and went on to become a significant sire of racehorses.
The Darley Arabian’s most famous descendant is Eclipse. He was an unbeaten racehorse whose dominance on the track and success at stud established him as a pivotal figure in Thoroughbred breeding. Eclipse’s lineage is present in the vast majority of modern Thoroughbreds, including famous lines such as the Northern Dancer and Mr. Prospector lines.
The Godolphin Arabian
The Godolphin Arabian, originally named Shami, was foaled around 1724 in Yemen. He was brought to France and later gifted to Lord Godolphin, an English nobleman.
As a stallion, he was initially overlooked by breeders. However, thanks to a recalcitrant mare, he proved his worth as a sire. His most influential descendant is Matchem, a leading 18th-century racehorse, and sire. His daughter Selima was exported to America where she became one of the foundation broodmares of the breed in that country.
Matchem’s bloodline, along with those of Herod and Eclipse, forms the foundation of contemporary Thoroughbred pedigrees. Modern Thoroughbred lines descending from the Godolphin Arabian include the Teddy and Gainsborough lines. Also notably, the mighty Man O War, his son War Admiral, and Seabiscuit are all direct sire line descendants of Matchem. Another surviving direct sire-line was that of the French horse Sheshoon.
The Term “Arabian” in the 18th and 19th Centuries
In modern times, it’s become common to associate the Arabian as a breed with the development of the Thoroughbred. But, it’s important to note that during the 18th and 19th centuries, the term “Arabian” was different to today. It often referred to horses that came from the broader Middle East region, rather than specifically to the Arabian horse breed as we understand it today. Thus, it reflects a regional rather than a breed-specific designation, encompassing various types of horses from Arabia and surrounding areas.
There were actually very few documented Arabians (breed) in England at this time. Those that were, were often clearly identified as such in contemporary literature.
Final Thoughts About the History of Thoroughbred Horse Racing
The history of Thoroughbred horse racing takes us from ancient endurance tests to the high-speed, high-stakes sport we know today. It is testament to the enduring appeal and adaptability of the sport and the industry administering it. Stay tuned for Part 2 in this series, where we look at the global spread of thoroughbred racing.
