Steeplechase

The steeplechase was initially a form of horse-racing, but the term is now applied to similar other events as well.

Steeplechase in Horse-racing

The steeplechase is a form of horse-racing (primarily conducted in the United Kingdom) and derives its name from early races in which orientation of the course was by reference to a church steeple, jumping fences and ditches and generally traversing the many intervening obstacles in the countryside.

Related Topics:
Horse-racing - United Kingdom - Church - Steeple

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It is a term now used to refer to a distance horse race with diverse fence and ditch obstacles; the most famous of these is the English Grand National run at Aintree race course.

Related Topics:
Grand National - Aintree race course

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History

The steeplechase originated in Ireland in the 18th century as an analogue to cross-country horse races which went from town steeple to town steeple, hence "steeplechase". The first steeplechase was alleged to have been the result of a wager in 1752 and involved a race between the church steeples of Doneraile and Buttevant, towns in Cork, Ireland. Most of the earlier steeplechases were contested cross-country rather than on a track and resembled English cross country as it exists today.

Related Topics:
Ireland - 18th century - Wager - 1752 - Doneraile - Buttevant - Cork

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