Since the late 1900’s horses evolved from an animal of practicality and transportation to one of pleasure, trade and gambling. Thoroughbred racing is a worldwide industry involving the gambling, racing and breeding of thoroughbred horses. The racing industry is multinational and followed all around the world, with the UK and Ireland, USA, France, Italy, Australia and New Zealand being the major influences in the breeding and production of thoroughbred racehorses. The New Zealand thoroughbred industry is now one of the most successful in the world, with racing contributing approximately $1.6 billion to NZ GDP – which comes in larger than the wine or seafood industry. Thoroughbreds dominate the equine industry in New Zealand; …show more content…
This laid the foundation to begin breeding the thorougbred. The first thoroughbred horses to enter New Zealand were imported from Australia, then in further years importing began from England.
Around the time of the 13th century, horse racing began in England. Following on from this, in the 18th century, the first racecourse opened with the first galop taking part in France near Paris.
In 1840, France had its first success from one of their own horses. The equine industry continued developing in France, so in 1960 when France wanted contact with nature and a practiced sport – the number of horses increased. Equestrian is now the second most popular sport for women in Europe, and the second most watched sport behind soccer. There are currently over 800,000 horses in Europe, and the racing industry specifically has 28 750 racehorses, 17 160 races on 251 racecourses. Races run in New Zealand in the past 10 years have sat between …show more content…
The racing industry in France in organized by PMU with 6.5 million punters and 8 billion euros in wagering. NZ Thoroughbred breeders’ association has grown to almost 300 members, making it the largest organization of its kind in the world. The Melbourne Cup is New Zealand’s single biggest betting event and the TAB’s biggest betting race of the year – “about 4.5 times as many bets are placed on it as on the next biggest race, the New Zealand Trotting Cup. In 2013 Kiwi punters invested $9.3 million on the race - the highest total ever.” (http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/culture/the-melbourne-cup) Each year, France organizes 7,000 gallop races, 68% flat, and 32% jumping. New Zealand jumping race day events are split evenly between steeplechase and