There are many states that are involved equine racing. Texas is home to barrel racing, South Carolina specializes in show jumping, but which state particulates in the sport jockey racing? Kentucky! The state is widely known for hosting the Kentucky Derby, the first of the three triple crown races. It's also famous for breeding and housing the most Thoroughbred horses in the U.S. (To learn more about this breed, check out my post dedicated to them.) The "Horse Capital of the United States" is actually Lexington, Kentucky.
What is jockey racing anyway, you ask? Jockey racing is a horse race where the specific rider stands halfway up in the saddle, using he or she's thighs and knee joints to maintain their steadiness on the back of a galloping horse. At the beginning of this race, there are small individual gates that separates each of the average of 20 horses competing. The race starts when the gate opens and the jockey rider begins to drive the horse around the elliptical track. The jockey does his or her best to maneuver strategically around the other horses at a gallop, attempting to be the first one to cross the finish line after he or she drives the horse around the track an average of 62 times, but depending on the size of it, the amount of laps may vary. Crazy, right? I'd be tired after running a half of a lap around the track! Horses sure are special.
As I said earlier, the Kentucky Derby is one of the Triple Crown races. For those that are not familiar with this term, the Triple Crown races are a series of the three championship jockey races. The first of the three held is the Kentucky Derby, which takes place in Louisville, Kentucky. The second race of the triplets is the Preakness Stakes, hosted in Baltimore, Maryland. The last triple crown race, the Belmont Stakes, competitors race to win a ring of roses for the horse's neck and 800,000 dollars for the rider's wallet. It's held in Belmont Park, which is located in Elmont, New York.
I hope you learned a little about the world of jockey racing today! I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving. Remember, ask questions and comment on my posts! I always love to hear from you guys when you do. I can't wait to share my next post with you!
Thank you for the information! That is SO interesting.
Great job Avery. The number of times the horses run around the oval track depends on the length of the track and the stated length of the race. The track is normally 1 mile or 8 furlongs but not all tracks are the same distance.. So the Kentucky Derby is 10 furlongs or 1 1/4 miles. The Preakness is 9.5 furlongs or 1 3/16 miles. The Belmont is the longest at 12 furlongs or 1 1/2 miles. AND since the inception of the Triple Crown in 1919 there have only been 12 horses to will all three races. Triple Crown horses can only be 3 years. old.
Very informative, Ditty! Good job!
Love the new post on races/competitions!! ♥️ you’re a great writer!
Yes! Some of our friends and our family get together to watch the Derby. It's always so exciting!