In horse racing, a furlong is a unit of distance measurement that equates to one-eighth of a mile. This measurement is used in horse racing, as well as other sports such as harness racing and greyhound racing, and it is also used in some other forms of measurement, such as land area.
The term “furlong” comes from the Old English words “furh” and “lang”, which mean “furrow” and “long” respectively. The origin of the word is believed to be based on the length of a furrow made in an English field, which was normally around 220 yards.
How Long is a Furlong?
A furlong is equal to 220 yards, or 660 feet. This equates to around 201.2 metres, or 0.125 miles. The furlong is usually abbreviated to “fn”, or “fur”.
History of the Furlong
The furlong has been used as a unit of measurement for centuries, and it is believed to have originated in the Middle Ages. It was first used to measure land area, and then it was adopted for use in horse racing in the 18th century. The furlong was also used in measuring distances for other sports, such as greyhound racing, in the 19th century.
Why is the Furlong Used in Horse Racing?
The furlong is the traditional unit of measurement used in horse racing. It is believed that the furlong was chosen as the standard unit of measurement for horse racing because it is a convenient length for a racecourse – it is long enough to provide a good test of a horse’s speed and stamina, but it is also short enough that a race can be completed in a reasonable amount of time.
What Other Sports Use the Furlong?
As well as horse racing, the furlong is also used in other sports such as greyhound racing and harness racing. In these sports, the furlong is typically used to measure the distance of the race.
How is the Furlong Used in Land Measurement?
The furlong is also used in some forms of land measurement, such as in Britain, where it is used to measure land area. A furlong is equal to one square chain, which is equal to 10 square chains, or one acre.
What is a Chain?
A chain is a unit of measurement equal to 66 feet, or 22 yards. This equates to around 20.1 metres. The chain is usually abbreviated to “ch”.
What is an Acre?
An acre is a unit of measurement equal to 10 square chains, or one furlong. This equates to around 4047 square metres. The acre is usually abbreviated to “ac”.
What is a Mile?
A mile is a unit of measurement equal to 1760 yards, or 5280 feet. This equates to around 1609.3 metres. The mile is usually abbreviated to “mi”.
Summary
In horse racing, a furlong is a unit of distance measurement that equates to one-eighth of a mile. It is equal to 220 yards, or 660 feet, and is usually abbreviated to “fn”, or “fur”. The furlong has been used as a unit of measurement for centuries, and it is the traditional unit of measurement used in horse racing. The furlong is also used in other sports such as greyhound racing and harness racing, and in some forms of land measurement. A chain is a unit of measurement equal to 66 feet, or 22 yards, and an acre is equal to 10 square chains, or one furlong. A mile is equal to 1760 yards, or 5280 feet.