Horse Racing in Asia

Introduction to Horse Racing

Horse racing is classified as an equestrian sport that has been an integral sport of the human cult since ancient times. The earlier forms of horse racing include Roman chariot races, steeds in Norse mythology and other varieties. Horse racing is also known by the name of ‘The Sport of Kings’. Some examples of the configurations of horse racing have been called Thoroughbred racing, Harness racing, Quarter horse. The breeding, training, maintenance and racing of horses have taken the shape of a major economic activity, called horse breeding.

Horse racing in Asia

1. South Korea: Horse racing in South Korea is as old as 1898. It was in 1920 that first modern horse racing was conducted involving betting. In 1922, the Chosun Racing Club worked in making the activity of horse racing systemized and credible. The following year saw the adoption of pari-mutuel betting system. The successive years featured horse racing being conducted by only authorized clubs and could also involve betting. In the ending 1980s, Korea Racing Authority (KRA) strived hard to elevate the sport of horse racing in South Korea to the Olympic caliber. Thus, an Olympic Equestrian Park was opened in 2005 which further earned South Korea plausible laurels in the sport.
2. United Arab Emirates: Dubai World Cup is the premier horse racing tournament in UAE. Although there is no paramutuel betting involved, the race tournament carries hefty prize money of six million dollars.
3. Hong Kong: The previously established Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club in 1884 is responsible for conducting about 700 races every season. This British sport helps to earn over 11% of tax revenue for Hong Kong. Off-track betting is prevalent in Hong Kong.
4. Japan: Japan hosts various horse racing events in one of the types, namely flat racing, jump racing and Ban’ei racing. About 21,000 races are held annually at total of 30 horse racing tracks. Japan Racing Association (JRA) is at the helm of the affairs for conducting horse races in entire Japan. The top-notch races include Grade 1 Japan Cup, February Stakes, Yasuda Kinen, Arima Kinen and Tenno Sho races.
5. Pakistan: In Pakistan, horse racing is held at different venues namely Lahore Race Club, Rawalpindi and Karachi. The most acclaimed racing tournament in Pakistan is known as Pakistan Derby.
6. India: Horse races are being conducted in India by some of the eminent Clubs called Bangalore Turf Club, the Hyderabad Race Club, the Royal Calcutta Turf Club, the Royal Western India Turf Club and Madras Race Club. Hyderabad Racing Club has always been in fine touch to host various important horse races in the past. Similarly, the first Saturday and Sunday of 2008 will see hosting of the Indian Turf Invitation Cup weekend racing carnival. In addition, race tracks at Pune and Kolkata are also renowned for conducting horse racing events.
7. Mongolia: In Mongolia, horse racing events are held every year during Independence Day of the nation. These races have been source of much excitement and entertainment-filled heroics for the masses.