09-19-2015, 07:58 PM
There is evidence from various mosaics which shows individual horses prized for some reason or other (I am digging through my database as I type) so it would appear that individual horses were prized for a reason (rather than a chariot team).
Of course, they could have been individual chariot horses but it is the nature of man, and the beast, to pit one against the other. If there was formalised betting one will never know; nor is there much other evidence of championship races. But once you have a winner in your local area you are going to want to test it against other horses - you don't have to be Irish to appreciate this
The oldest races of this sort are endurance races in the Arab states - not quite the same as a spectator affair in the hippodrome.
Of course, they could have been individual chariot horses but it is the nature of man, and the beast, to pit one against the other. If there was formalised betting one will never know; nor is there much other evidence of championship races. But once you have a winner in your local area you are going to want to test it against other horses - you don't have to be Irish to appreciate this
The oldest races of this sort are endurance races in the Arab states - not quite the same as a spectator affair in the hippodrome.
Moi Watson
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, Merlot in one hand, Cigar in the other; body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and screaming "WOO HOO, what a ride!
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, Merlot in one hand, Cigar in the other; body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and screaming "WOO HOO, what a ride!
