A furlong is a unit of measurement for distance that is equal to one-eighth of a mile or 220 yards. It has been in use since the Middle Ages and is still used today in horse racing, primarily in the United Kingdom.
History of the Furlong
The term “furlong” is derived from the Old English language and is a combination of the words “furh” (meaning furrow) and “lang” (meaning long). The original definition of a furlong was the length of a furrow in a plowed field, which was typically around 220 yards.
In the Middle Ages, the furlong was adopted as a unit of measurement for horse racing. It was used to measure the length of the race course and the time it took a horse to complete the course. It is still used today in horse racing in the United Kingdom and other countries.
How Fast do Horses Run a Furlong?
The average speed of a horse running a furlong is around 40 miles per hour (mph). However, this can vary depending on the type of horse, the terrain, and the condition of the track. Thoroughbred horses, for example, can reach speeds of up to 55 mph when racing on a flat track.
Factors that Affect Horse Speed
There are several factors that can affect the speed of a horse running a furlong. These include:
- Horse type – Different horse breeds have different speed capabilities. Thoroughbreds, for example, are faster than other breeds.
- Terrain – Horses can run faster on flat surfaces than on hilly or uneven terrain.
- Track conditions – Horses will run faster on tracks that are in good condition than on tracks that are muddy or wet.
- Weather conditions – Horses may slow down in hot or humid weather.
Famous Horse Races
The furlong is an important unit of measurement in horse racing, and there are some famous horse races that are run over a distance of one furlong. These include:
- Kentucky Derby – The Kentucky Derby is the oldest continuously-run horse race in the United States. It is run over a distance of one and a quarter miles, which is 10 furlongs.
- Grand National – The Grand National is a steeplechase race that is run over a distance of four miles (32 furlongs) at Aintree Racecourse in England.
- Dubai World Cup – The Dubai World Cup is a thoroughbred horse race that is run over a distance of one and a quarter miles (10 furlongs) at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai.
Famous Horse Races at One Furlong
There are also some famous horse races that are run over a distance of one furlong. These include:
- King’s Stand Stakes – The King’s Stand Stakes is a Group One flat horse race that is run over a distance of one furlong at Ascot Racecourse in England.
- July Cup – The July Cup is a Group One flat horse race that is run over a distance of six furlongs at Newmarket Racecourse in England.
- Breeders’ Cup Sprint – The Breeders’ Cup Sprint is a Grade One flat horse race that is run over a distance of six and a half furlongs at various racetracks in the United States.
Record Breaking Furlong Times
The fastest time ever recorded for a horse running a furlong is 9.26 seconds. This record was set by the thoroughbred Secretariat in the 1973 Kentucky Derby.
Conclusion
The average speed of a horse running a furlong is around 40 mph, although this can vary depending on the type of horse, the terrain, and the condition of the track. There are several famous horse races that are run over a distance of one furlong, and the fastest time ever recorded for a horse running a furlong is 9.26 seconds.
References
- Kane, J. (2017). What is a Furlong? Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-a-furlong-2136630
- Horse Racing Nation (2020). Furlong. Retrieved from https://www.horseracingnation.com/info/Furlong
- National Thoroughbred Racing Association (2020). The Fastest Horse in the World. Retrieved from https://www.ntra.com/the-fastest-horse-in-the-world/