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Horse racing facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
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Horse racing at Arlington Park, 2007

Horse racing is an exciting sport where special horses, called racehorses, compete to see which one is the fastest! Most racehorses are a type of horse called a thoroughbred. These horses are bred to be very fast and strong. Horse racing is popular all over the world, with many famous races and events happening each year.

What is Horse Racing?

Horse racing is a sport where horses, ridden by jockeys, race against each other on a track. The goal is to be the first to cross the finish line. There are different types of horse racing. Some races are on flat tracks, while others involve jumping over obstacles.

Types of Horse Racing

There are a few main types of horse racing:

  • Flat Racing: This is the most common type. Horses run on a flat track without any jumps.
  • Jump Racing: Also known as steeplechasing, this involves horses jumping over fences and ditches. It's a real test of skill and bravery for both horse and rider!
  • Harness Racing: In this type, horses pull a two-wheeled cart called a sulky. A driver sits in the sulky and guides the horse. These horses usually trot or pace, rather than gallop. Yonkers, New York is a well-known place for harness racing.

Famous Races Around the World

Many countries have their own special horse races. These events are often big celebrations.

Races in the United States

The Kentucky Derby is one of the most famous races in the United States. It happens every year in Louisville, Kentucky, at a place called Churchill Downs. The Kentucky Derby is part of something called the Triple Crown. This includes two other big races: the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. Winning all three is a huge achievement!

International Races

Horse racing is also very popular in other parts of the world.

  • Australia: The Melbourne Cup is a massive race held every November in Australia. It's so important that many Australians call it "the race that stops the nation." Millions of people watch it!
  • United Kingdom and Ireland: The UK and Ireland have many famous races. The Grand National is one of the toughest jump races in the world. Other well-known places include Ascot and Newmarket.
  • Other Countries: You can find major race centers in the Far East, like Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Dubai also hosts the Dubai Gold Cup, a very rich race.

Images for kids

  • Deauville-Clairefontaine obstacle 2

    Steeplechase racing at Deauville

  • Harness Racing (Pacers)

    Harness racing in Adelaide

  • Corsa ippica - Palio di Legnano 2013 (2)

    Horse racing in Palio di Legnano 2013

  • Théodore Géricault - Riderless Racers at Rome - Walters 37189

    Riderless Racers at Rome by Théodore Géricault, 1817

  • DV307 no.84 Horse racing near Apsley House, London

    British nobility horse racing at Apsley House, London c. 1850s

  • Horses jump over hurdle

    Race horses hurdling at Bangor

  • Suffolk Downs horse racing

    Suffolk Downs starting gate, East Boston, Massachusetts

  • Standardbred horses racing

    Standardbred horses harness racing

  • James Pollard - The Derby Pets- The Winner - Google Art Project

    The Derby Pets - The Winner; painting by James Pollard, c. 1840

  • A Race Meeting at Jacksonville, Alabama by W.S. Hedges - BMA

    Horse racing at Jacksonville, Alabama, 1841

  • Race track at fairgrounds, Toledo, O. - DPLA - c70272485bd187fb7697c77c138906b8 (page 1)

    Horse racing at Toledo, Ohio, 1910

  • Pierwsze wyścigi w Warszawie (59465)

    Horse Racing in Warsaw at Pole Mokotowskie Race Track in 1891

  • Olaus Magnus - On Horse Races on the Ice

    Horse racing in Sweden, c. 1555

  • Becher's Brook, 1890

    1890 engraving of horses jumping the Becher's Brook fence in the Grand National. With treacherous fences combined with the distance (over 4 miles), the race has been called "the ultimate test of horse and rider".

  • Eclipse(horse)

    Eclipse, an undefeated British racehorse and outstanding sire.

  • Pierwsze wyscigi

    "First regular horse racing on Pola Mokotowskie in Warsaw" January Suchodolski 1849.

  • Tambo valley races 2006 edit

    Tambo Valley Picnic Races, Victoria, Australia 2006

  • Maiden Cup 2006, Champ de Mars Racecourse, Port Louis, Mauritius - 20060910

    Maiden Cup 2006 - To The Line, winner of the race

  • Hongkongjockeyclub

    Happy Valley Racecourse in Hong Kong at night

  • Nakayama Racecourse01

    Nakayama Racecourse in Funabashi, Japan

See also

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