In 1773 the English entered a pact with the local Indians, promising the land west of the mountains would be reserved solely for their use. He married and eventually moved to Kentucky with his wife. Whitley was born in 1749 to Irish immigrants living in Virginia. But there are other theories why horses race counterclockwise in the United States.Ĭounter-clockwise horse racing in the United States can be traced to one person, William Whitley. So changing the running direction in the “sport of kings” made sense. During the American Revolution, patriot emotion was high, and colonists sought to separate themselves from all English traditions.
Counter-clockwise horse racing began as a protest against English tradition.Ĭounter-clockwise horseracing in the U.S. American patriots didn’t want to continue following English traditions, horses run more naturally, traveling counter-clockwise, and ancient horse racing traditions. There are three primary theories why horses run counter-clockwise during a race. Did the United States turn back the clock to follow the forebearers of racing? Or were there other reasons that determined counter-clockwise racing? The reasons horse races run counter-clockwise.Īncient Greeks and Romans raced counter-clockwise, but in most of Europe, horses raced clockwise. But for those of us who enjoy horse racing history, counter-clockwise racing has an interesting backstory. The directions horses run in a race isn’t something that’s frequently thought about. Counter-clockwise running is also more natural for racehorses and is how the Greeks and Romans ran their horses at the advent of formal horse racing. Horses race counter-clockwise because American racehorse owners didn’t want to conform to Engish standards and its horse racing establishment. But, recently, I was stumped by an old man who asked me, “why do the horses run counter-clockwise?” I had no idea, so I decided to research this question. I have been going to horse racing tracks for a long time. Thanks in advance – I really appreciate it! Any links on this page that lead to products on Amazon are affiliate links and I earn a commission if you make a purchase.
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