If you have ever been to the races, seen the races, or logged on to find top tips at Timeform, then it is likely that you have encountered the word ‘furlong’. You will also know that the world of horse racing comes with its own unique language and way of doing things. There are a plethora of terms to get your head around if you want to blend in with the other punters and look like you know what you are talking about. In this article we take a look at furlongs in horse racing and ask – why are they used?
The word ‘furlong’ has a long history in the English language, and can even be found in the Bible.
What is a furlong?
A furlong is a unit of length that dates back to 13th Century England. It equates to 220 yards – an eighth of a mile. When horse racing was first formalized back in the 16th century, the furlong was adopted as a standard form of measurement in the sport of horse racing.
Origins
As with many words in the English language, furlong is a variation on a word from Old English. At the time of the Anglo-Saxons it was written ‘furlang’. Old English was a pretty tough language to read by today’s standards, and many words in the Old English dictionary are no longer in use today. However, furlang swapped its ‘a’ for an ‘o’ and stuck around! The original word came from the word ‘furh’ meaning furrow, and ‘lang’ which means long. Put the two together, and ‘furlang’ referred to a furrow that measured 660 feet in length.
Horse racing
As with many things in the sport, the use of furlongs is steeped in tradition. When horse racing was first formalized, all tracks and races were measured in furlongs. Once a race exceeds a mile in distance, it is referred to in miles. Despite this, many bettors and spectators (as well as those with little involvement in the sport) see the measurement of furlongs as being synonymous with horse racing.
Furlong records
There are also records set for the speed at which a horse can cover a distance of one furlong. The record is currently held by a horse that goes by the name of Travel Plan. The horse set an impressive record when it recorded a time of 11:49seconds during a claiming race in America.
So, the next time you’re in the pub talking about the weekend’s meets and the hot tips, be sure to show off your knowledge by educating your fellow bettors about the origins of the word furlong and why it is a unit of measurement used in the sport of horse racing. It never hurts to make yourself look like a smarty pants! Who knows, a bit of knowledge might even give you the edge when it comes down to filling in your bet slip and picking the runner to make you your fortune.
