“While the clockwise direction of running was established in British horse racing due to the position of the judges’ box and the location of the starting post, American horse racing adopted the counterclockwise direction for reasons that are not entirely clear.“
Why Do British Racehorses Run Clockwise? Tracing the Evolution of Horse Racing in the British Isles and America
British racehorses run clockwise because of their history and the evolution of horse racing in the British Isles. Horse racing has been a popular sport in the British Isles since the 12th century, and it was initially run on roads and fields with no designated tracks or rules. The races were held in different directions, with no standard direction of running.
In the 18th century, organized horse racing began to develop in the British Isles, with tracks being built and rules being established. It was during this time that the clockwise direction of running became the standard for British horse racing. The reason for this is believed to be because of the position of the judges’ box, which was typically located on the left-hand side of the track. By running clockwise, the horses would be racing towards the judges’ box, making it easier for them to see the finish line and determine the winner.
Another theory suggests that the clockwise direction of running was adopted because of the location of the starting post. In British horse racing, the starting post is typically located at the highest point of the track, with the horses running downhill towards the finish line. By running clockwise, the horses would be running on the steepest part of the track, which would allow them to reach their maximum speed more easily.
Over time, the clockwise direction of running became firmly established in British horse racing, and it remains the standard to this day. The tradition has also spread to other countries that were once part of the British Empire, such as Australia and India, where horse races also run clockwise.
In contrast, American horse racing developed independently from British horse racing, and it adopted the counterclockwise direction of running. The first horse race in the United States was held in 1665, and it was run on a straight track in New York. As horse racing grew in popularity in the United States, oval tracks were built, and the counterclockwise direction of running became the standard.
The reason for the counterclockwise direction of running in American horse racing is not entirely clear, but it may have been influenced by the clockwise direction of running in other sports, such as running and cycling. Another theory suggests that the counterclockwise direction was adopted because it was believed to be easier on the horses, who would be running on their left lead, which is their natural lead.
In conclusion, the reason why British race horses run clockwise while American horse races run counterclockwise can be traced back to the history and evolution of horse racing in these two regions. While the clockwise direction of running was established in British horse racing due to the position of the judges’ box and the location of the starting post, American horse racing adopted the counterclockwise direction for reasons that are not entirely clear. Nevertheless, both directions have become firmly established in their respective regions and continue to be a part of their unique racing traditions.
