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by Shairzy on June 17th, 2006

Shairzy

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Why do horse races run counter-clockwise?

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Answers. 6 helpful answers below.

  • by Henry Hascup on June 18th, 2006

    Henry Hascup

    In the case of American horse racing the reason has less to do with physics and much more to do with politics. In 1780, the first circular US race track was established by William Whitley near his home in Lincoln County, Kentucky. A staunch supporter of the Revolution, Whitley insisted that horses race counterclockwise, as opposed to clockwise as was the custom at the time in England. While some race tracks were slow to adapt (Belmont racetrack in NY actually ran clockwise until 1921), now all racetracks in the US follow Whitneyâ??s patriotic tradition. God bless America and the Kentucky Derby!

    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Ask-The-Rick/message/1

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  • by Jelloid on May 30th, 2007

    Jelloid

    The ones i back do

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  • by P. W. Pasobrio loves Marines on February 3rd, 2007

    P. W. Pasobrio loves Marines

    Belive it or not most horses are left handed (they step out with the left leg first) and it's easier for them to keep on a left lead from the starting gate till the end.

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  • by Amber757 on December 2nd, 2006

    Amber757

    I have no idea... never bothers me... never actually noticed. lolz

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  • by Galeanda on May 30th, 2007

    Galeanda

    Depends on the country your are in. Some go clockwise, some the other wayl And it may depend on the event or type of racing too. There is great variety all around the world. It's different in car racing and bike raacing.

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  • by Anonymous on June 21st, 2006

    Anonymous

    For the same reason dogs races run counter-clockwise and the same reason stock car races run counter-clockwise.

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