Steeplechasing is a sport in which horses ridden by jockeys race over a series of obstacles on a course 2 to 4 1/2 miles (3 to 7.2 kilometers) long. These obstacles include fences and ditches. The steeplechase is also a running event in track and field (see Track and field (The steeplechase) ).
Steeplechasing is popular in the United Kingdom and several other European countries, as well as in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and the United States. The most famous steeplechase race is the Grand National, held each March or April at the Aintree race course near Liverpool, England. As many as 40 horses compete (see Grand National ).
Steeplechasing originated in Ireland in the mid-1700’s. According to legend, two men decided to test their horses’ speed after a fox hunt. A church steeple was the most visible landmark in the area, so they agreed to “race to yon steeple.”
