Diving into Disciplines: Racing

For our last discipline spotlight, we are galloping over to the track to learn about horse racing. This sport has ancient roots and can be traced back as far as the times of ancient Greece, Rome, Babylonia, and Egypt. Races would attract spectators from all over to witness the excitement. The Romans and Greeks would race their horses in chariots, which was one of the most popular sports during those time periods. Thoroughbred racing become popular with British royalty centuries later, earning it the nickname "the sport of kings.” After the 18^th century, horse racing started to take shape into the sport we know today. The Jockey Club was formed to set rules and standards and create a level field of competitors. 

The most popular horse breed used for racing is the Thoroughbred, which was developed specifically for this purpose. They are known for their agility, speed, and spirit. However, Arabians and Quarter Horses have been bred to race as well. Arabians are a popular pick for endurance racing and Quarter Horses are popular for short sprints of one-quarter of a mile in length - hence the name "Quarter Horse."

In flat horse racing, horses are ridden by jockeys over a set distance. The horse and jockey to cross the finish line first wins the race. The oval-shaped track horses run on can be made of dirt or grass (turf) and races generally range from 440 yards to 2 miles in distance.

A variation of flat racing is the steeplechase, where in addition to running the oval-shaped track as quickly as possible, horses and jockeys must also clear a series of jumping obstacles such as hedges and ditches.

Horse racing is popular around the world and many countries have prestigious races that draw horses and spectators from around the world. Some well-known races are the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, Kentucky Derby, and Dubai World Cup. In America the most popular and well-known races are the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness, and the Belmont - collectively known as the "Triple Crown." Horses who win all three races in a single year become a highly-coveted Triple Crown winner. It is an extremely difficult task for a horse to win all three races, which vary in distance and are held over the course of only a few weeks - since 1919, only thirteen horses have managed to become Triple Crown winners.

Along with flat racing, horses can compete in harness racing. In harness racing, a racehorse pulls a two-wheeled lightweight cart known as a sulky over a set distance. As with flat racing, the first horse to cross the finish line wins. While flat racing horses usually gallop across the finish line, harness racers will either trot or pace.

Atlanta, courtesy of Lisa Photo

The most popular breeds for harness racing are the Standardbred and various European trotting breeds, such as French Trotters. Theses horses are similar to Thoroughbreds, but with a slightly heavier build and a larger head. They are either bred to be trotters or pacers. Pacers have the natural ability to perform the pace, which is a lateral gait, versus the trot, which is a diagonal gait. There are races held all over America, Europe, and Australia. One of the most popular races held in America is the Hambletonian, which draws horses from around the world to compete. To win, horses must win two one-mile heats. You can read more about Harness Racing here!

While Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds are known for their racing capabilities, when they are done with their racing careers they can excel in many other disciplines as well. All the disciplines we have highlighted over the past weeks, such as Jumping, Dressage, Eventing, various Western disciplines, and Driving, all have seen these racing breeds succeed in various levels. Programs such as the Retired Racehorse Project and Ohio Standardbreds and Friends promote, encourage, and demonstrate the versatility of these athletes off the track! 

Breyer has immortalized many racing and harness racing champions over the decades. One champion that has not only become a household name in racing, but has been a part of the Breyer line near-constantly since 1987, is Secretariat. Arguably the most iconic Triple Crown champion, he has been immortalized on various sculptures throughout the years. Secretariat's most recent portrait model was created on mold #586 sculpted by Susan Carlton Sifton. First released in 2009, it continues to be a popular piece in the Breyer lineup through the present day.

Considered the greatest racehorse of all time, Secretariat not only won the Triple Crown and set the fastest time record in all three races, especially his 31-length victory in the Belmont, but he also he won the hearts of people all over world - earning him the nickname "the people's horse."

We hope you enjoyed the Diving into Disciplines series! Breyer has been privileged to immortalize these wonderful horses and recognize and honor their accomplishments over the decades.

As we head into December, keep an eye on the BreyerFest Blog for important information about the biggest party of the year - BreyerFest: Cheers to 75 Years!