Steeplechase (race)
Steeplechase is a type of horse racing that is common in the United Kingdom , the Czech Republic , the United States , France and Ireland . In a steeplechase, similar to the terrain ride , a wide variety of natural obstacles such as fences, ditches and other types of obstacles must be jumped over.
The name is derived from early forms of the race, in which the riders orientated themselves to prominent local points, the "steeples" (church towers). The term is commonly used in England these days for distance obstacle races. The official English name is "National Hunt Racing". The best known is the " Grand National " race at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool , which has been held since 1837.
Since 1874, the Velká Pardubická (Pardubice Steeplechase) horse race, notorious for its numerous falls, has been taking place annually in Pardubice in the Czech Republic (mostly in mid-October) , the toughest horse race on the European continent.
Steeplechases like the Grand National and Pardubice are controversial among horse enthusiasts because of the high injury rates and are regularly accompanied by protests from animal rights activists. From 1997 to 2003 almost 30 horses died in these races. Despite the reduced number of participants, emergency exits for riderless horses and defused obstacles, two horses had to be euthanized due to serious falls in 2003. Despite the often spectacular falls of horse and rider, it should not be forgotten that many horses start several times in these races. Red Rum, the three-time Liverpool Grand National winner, has also finished second in the National twice and never fell. Until his natural death in old age, he led the parade of the participating competitors of the Grand National as a living legend.
history
The first steeplechase races took place in Ireland in the 18th century and led from church tower to church tower. One of the first documented steeplechases took place on the basis of a bet in 1752 in County Cork, Ireland . Only two riders competed against each other, Cornelius O'Callaghan and Edmund Blake. The race went over a four and a half mile distance between St. John's Church in Buttevant and St. Leger Church in Doneraile . The name of the winner is not recorded.
The first steeplechase races were mostly cross-country, similar to the races now held in the UK. In 1810 the first steeplechase was held on a racetrack that was prepared with obstacles.
