Fast Facts

1. The first recorded horse race was in 648 BC, when the Greeks held races featuring riders on horses.
   
   
2. Racing is called "The Sport of Kings" because it was the English Kings of the 15th century who encouraged the development of racing and breeding of thoroughbreds.
   
   
3. The Arabian horse, known for its spirit, sped and endurance, became the basis of the Thoroughbred bloodline.
   
   
4. Diane Crump was the first woman to ride in the Derby. (1970 Fathom)
   
   
5. The crown jewel of the Triple Crown is the The Kentucky Derby. The Derby and the famous course where it's run, Churchill Downs, were founded in the late 1800s.
   
   
6. There have only been 11 Triple Crown winners in the history of the sport: Sir Barton, Gallant Fox, Omaha, War Admiral, Whirlaway, Count Fleet, Assault, Citation, Secretariat, Seattle Slew, and Affirmed.
   
   
7. The last time a horse won The Triple Crown was in 1978.
   
   
8. Man O' War holds probably the best record in racing. In just 2 years he won 20 out of 21 races that he entered. 12 of those races were against less than 4 competitors because his star quality was so great, many owners wouldn't race against him.
   
   
9. Secretariat is considered by many to be the greatest race horse of all time. He was chosen Horse of the Year in both 1972 and 1973, and won the Triple Crown in '73. He set course records in all three legs of the Triple Crown that year, The Kentucky Derby, The Preakness and The Belmont Stakes.
   
   

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