Horse Breeds - Thoroughbreds
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Thoroughbreds: The Icons of Horse Racing
Overview
Thoroughbreds, often called "America's Racing Horse," are renowned for their speed and excellence on racetracks worldwide. These exceptional horses are a staple in daily races and are bred for superior performance.
History and Origin
The Thoroughbred lineage traces back to 17th and 18th-century England, driven by a desire for faster race horses. Three foundation stallions?"Byerley Turk, Darley Arabian, and Godolphin Arabian?"were imported from the Mediterranean Middle East between 1670 and 1710. These horses, owned by Captain Robert Byerley, Thomas Darley, and Lord Godolphin, respectively, laid the groundwork for the modern Thoroughbred. Eclipse, a direct descendant of Darley Arabian, was unbeaten in 18 races and is the ancestor of about 90% of today's Thoroughbreds.
The breeding process has been meticulous, spanning over 250 years, with a focus on producing offspring that excel in speed and stamina.
Pedigree Records
In the late 1700s, breeding records were often incomplete, and horses were unnamed until they had proven themselves. James Weatherby standardized these records in 1791 with the General Stud Book, chronicling 387 mares tracing back to Eclipse. This registry is still maintained in England by Weatherby and Sons.
As racing grew in North America, the need for a similar registry became apparent. Colonel Sanders D. Bruce published the first American Stud Book in 1873, which The Jockey Club later took over. This registry is crucial for maintaining Thoroughbred integrity in North America. The Jockey Club now manages a vast database of over 1.8 million horses, utilizing advanced technology to track pedigrees and race results globally.
Influential Lineages and Races
Diomed, a descendant of Darley Arabian, won the inaugural Kentucky Derby in 1780 and was later brought to the United States, where he sired Sir Archie. The Kentucky Derby, along with the Preakness and Belmont Stakes, forms the prestigious Triple Crown series.
Breeding and Training
Typically born between January and April, Thoroughbreds have an official birthdate of January 1. During their first year, these horses develop in size and strength. Training as yearlings involves learning to wear a bridle and saddle, and eventually carrying a rider. This groundwork prepares them for the competitive demands of racetrack racing.
Thoroughbreds remain the preferred choice for track racing due to their speed, agility, and rich heritage. Their legacy continues to be celebrated in major races and breeding programs around the world.
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