Thoroughbred racing

Notable examples include the 2005 Epsom Derby winner Motivator, owned by the Royal Ascot Racing Club, 2003 Kentucky Derby winner Funny Cide, owned by a group of 10 partners organized as Sackatoga Stable, and 2008 Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown, owned by IEAH stables, a horse racing hedgefund organization.

Beginning after World War II, the commercial breeding industry became significantly more important in North America, Europe and Australasia, the result of which being that a substantial portion of Thoroughbreds are now sold by their breeders, either at public auction or through private sales.

In 1976, Canadian Bound became the first Thoroughbred yearling racehorse ever to be sold for more than US$1 million when he was purchased at the Keeneland July sale by Canadians, Ted Burnett and John Sikura Jr.[3] Per the Oxford English Dictionary the concept of a jockey club dates to at least 1775 and is, in the generic, a "club or association for the promotion and regulation of horse racing.

"[4] There are scores of national and regional jockey clubs, also called racing associations, worldwide.

[6] Racing is governed on an All-Ireland basis, with two bodies sharing organising responsibility.

The Jockey Club in the UK has been released from its regulatory function but still performs various supporting roles.

A significant part of the BHA's work relates to the disciplining of trainers and jockeys, including appeals from decisions made by the course stewards.

The emergence of internet betting exchanges has created opportunities for the public to lay horses and this development has been associated with some high-profile disciplinary proceedings.

[8] Pedigree matters and the registration of racing colors are the province of The Jockey Club, which maintains the American Stud Book and approves the names of all Thoroughbreds.

While British Columbia's major venue is Hastings Racecourse with popular events like the annual BC Derby.

Every governing body is free to set its own standards, so the quality of races may differ.

Some countries and regions have a long tradition as major breeding centers, namely Ireland and Kentucky.

Jump racing is popular in the UK, Ireland, France and parts of Central Europe, but only a minor sport or completely unknown in most other regions of the world.

[10] In the world's major Thoroughbred racing countries, breeding of racehorses is a huge industry providing over a million jobs worldwide.