The abstract beauty of the geography is truly breathtaking when viewed
form the air. You can also see a bird's eye view of Queenstown which is
one of the most beautiful townships in New Zealand
The beautiful alpine slopes and the pristine purity of the white soft
snow are simply mind-blowing. And what may be the best way to experience
this unspoilt beauty is by a helicopter ride
The Queenstown Helicopter line offers a range of exciting flights to
patrons that let them experience the most beautiful sights in the
region. A range of flights from five separate locations are available;
they are Mount Cook, Twizel, Queenstown, Franz Josef Glacier, and Fox
Glacier.
One of the most amazing experiences will be gliding over the snow during
the height of summer topped of with a landing on the beautiful Juria
Glacier, or one may take a flight to appreciate the captivating beauty
of Lake Wakatipu across the Southern Alps.
Among the packages available is one known simply as the Remarkables,
named after the beautiful mountain range in the Southern Alps by the
same name, this ride will truly let you appreciate why the mountains
were named as such.
The flight takes you to an elevation of over 1,500 above Queenstown and
during winter it is possible to stand on top of the Remarkables and gaze
over the frozen Wakatipu Lake.
However, the premier sightseeing tour is the one that known as the Great
Circle. It truly enables you to appreciate the stunning land formations
around the Wakatipu basin and the Queenstown area.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Bowling Etiquette
Every sport has its set of rules and regulations as well as field
manners to follow. To be a true sportsperson, one needs to have a basic
understanding of the terms and conditions laid down before him. For
this, one needs to pay special attention to the etiquette or manners to
be followed both on the field and off it. Bowling, like other sports,
has its own set of rules and regulations which a bowler is supposed to
be well equipped with; besides rules and regulations are a must to up
the fun quotient of the game.
When we talk of commandments, it gives us the impression of being set in stone. It invariably refers to some rules and measures that cannot be ignored for varied reasons. Etiquette, for that matter, are equivalent to commandments, for breaking any of them would result in severe losses both to you and your teammates. Ensure that you remember these commandments (as I call them) diligently, and in turn, enjoy the game with your comrades.
As a bowler, you are expected to be responsible for your behavior at all times. Finally, be a good sport and be prepared to deal with failure, if you happen to lose. Along with the etiquette mentioned above, you should concentrate on your game strategies to improve your bowling. Following these rules won't enable you to win, but at least you will be leaving the field by making a good impression on others. Finally to conclude, have a "Yabba-Dabba-Doo" time folks!
When we talk of commandments, it gives us the impression of being set in stone. It invariably refers to some rules and measures that cannot be ignored for varied reasons. Etiquette, for that matter, are equivalent to commandments, for breaking any of them would result in severe losses both to you and your teammates. Ensure that you remember these commandments (as I call them) diligently, and in turn, enjoy the game with your comrades.
| 1. Thou Shalt Not Trespass the Foul Line | |
| For obvious reasons, it is not a good option to cross the foul line. Stepping on the foul line would result in a penalty, thus making your team score lesser than your opponent. You wouldn't want to end up with a foul result for a silly mistake, would you? |
| 2. Thou Shalt Not Two-ball a Pin boy | |
| To make it understandable, do not bowl in quick succession or release one bowl after another, as it will result in disqualification. It could probably result in you shelling out charges to pay for the damages to the pin boy/pinsetter. |
| 3. Thou Shalt Not Blemish the Alley | |
| Wearing the wrong shoes can result in etching and scratching of the alley, which will, in turn, hamper the movements of the other players. Utmost care should be taken to make sure you do not have any sharp edges jutting out to cause unwanted scratches. |
| 4. Thou Shalt Await Thy Turn | |
| Patience is the only key word here. Remember to wait for your turn, eventually you will get it but in between shots, it would be better if you wait in silence. It is iniquitous to stand in the way of others; hence, it is courteous to take your seat when it isn't your turn. |
| 5. Thou Shalt Give Way for the Player on the Right | |
| Give the player on your right, the right to play first. I am definitely not playing with words here, just giving out the basic mannerism. The player on the right has an advantage over you, all you can do is let him/her have a go before you get a shot at the pinballs. |
| 6. Thou Shalt Not Discommode Your Neighbors | |
| You don't like being disturbed during shots and it is but natural that the same is expected from you too. Avoid indulging in hooting and calling out names in an attempt to distract the opponent as it might result in your elimination. |
| 7. Thou Shalt Not Delay the Ongoing Game | |
| Leave alone distracting others with hoots and calls, you are obliged to concentrate on your game and play as quickly as possible. Do not indulge in unnecessary movements that will distract the other players. |
| 8. Thou Shalt Not Covet Your Opponents Victory | |
| In simpler terms, you should be a good loser and avoid indulging in visibly bad behavior. Take your defeat well, and remember to control your temper and your mouth at all times. |
| 9. Thou Shalt Not Mill Around the Alley | |
| As soon as your ball hits the pins, it is obligatory that you return to the benches and not linger around the bowling line. This applies for the scorecard area as well. Do not pester the scorekeeper unnecessarily. |
| 10. Thou Shalt Not Nip Off Another's Property | |
| Do not walk away with another's ball or shoes. It is highly inappropriate behavior to walk back with another's property. Remember to return bowling shoes and balls back to its rightful owner/rack. |
| 11. Thou Shalt Not Make Merry Near the Alley | |
| Eating and drinking near the alley is a strict no-no. Spilling of water or oil anywhere near the alley can spell disaster. You never know, you could be the victim of your own folly. |
| 12. Thou Shalt Mind Thy Manners | |
| As a rule, do not indulge in abusing or insulting other players and the management. Any foul behavior can result in your game being terminated. Avoid unnecessary confrontations with other players. Maintain peace no matter what is hurled your way. |
As a bowler, you are expected to be responsible for your behavior at all times. Finally, be a good sport and be prepared to deal with failure, if you happen to lose. Along with the etiquette mentioned above, you should concentrate on your game strategies to improve your bowling. Following these rules won't enable you to win, but at least you will be leaving the field by making a good impression on others. Finally to conclude, have a "Yabba-Dabba-Doo" time folks!
Planning your Next Sports Party
The Super Bowl has come and gone, but that is only the beginning of the
season of sports parties. From March Madness to NBA Playoffs, World
Series to World Cup, there will always be another sporting event, that
will facilitate getting together with friends and family to eat, drink,
and celebrate the world of professional athletics. No matter, the sport,
hosting a party to watch a game can make a huge dent in your budget.
Grocery stores tend to suck you in to stock up on goodies for sporting
events, and if you don’t know what you’re doing, you can end up costing
yourself a lot of money.
Buy in Bulk
The first thing you can do is buy in bulk. If you know you’re having a ton of people over, it’s often cheaper to buy bulk meat, buns, snacks, soda, and other food items than it is to buy multiple bags or boxes of your favorite stuff. Visit your local Sam’s Club or other store that sells items in bulk and stock up. In a worst case scenario, if all of that food you bought doesn't get eaten, you can freeze it and save it for dinners for the week, which will save money on groceries. You can also get creative by looking up recipes to use the ingredients you have left over, to keep your family from getting bored with meals that are too similar.
Potluck
Most people are more than happy to bring a food item with them if they come to a party you are hosting. Don’t be afraid to ask people to bring food; more than likely they won’t complain. On invitation services such as Evite, there is even a feature that allows you to make a list of items you need and have people volunteer to bring them so you don’t end up with duplicates. This can help keep costs down for everyone involved, and help add variety to your party.
BYOB
Beverages are the big ticket items when you think about party planning. It’s always the alcohol that costs the most money, and there’s no way around it. Plus, you always want to be sure to buy a variety of things to be sure there is something everyone will like. A great way around that is to promise to provide all the food for the party, but to have everyone bring the drinks they want. That way, those who want a specific kind of beer will have it, and those who only want soda will have that, too. You also won’t have a bunch of beverages left over that you’ll never drink and that you wasted money on. People will bring what they want and as much of it as they want, and the worry will be off of you.
Make it Yourself
Ordering cute-looking sports cakes or having several pizzas delivered to your front door may seem like a fun and easy way to host a party, but that expense can add up really quickly. To save money, buy the ingredients and make it yourself. Even if the ingredients cost about as much as the food does, you’ll save a ton of money on delivery charges, and you won’t have to leave in the middle of the game, to pick up your food, if you choose not to have it delivered. Also, having a create-your-own pizza or burger station can be a really fun addition to every party, while ensuring everyone gets what they want.
Buy in Bulk
The first thing you can do is buy in bulk. If you know you’re having a ton of people over, it’s often cheaper to buy bulk meat, buns, snacks, soda, and other food items than it is to buy multiple bags or boxes of your favorite stuff. Visit your local Sam’s Club or other store that sells items in bulk and stock up. In a worst case scenario, if all of that food you bought doesn't get eaten, you can freeze it and save it for dinners for the week, which will save money on groceries. You can also get creative by looking up recipes to use the ingredients you have left over, to keep your family from getting bored with meals that are too similar.
Potluck
Most people are more than happy to bring a food item with them if they come to a party you are hosting. Don’t be afraid to ask people to bring food; more than likely they won’t complain. On invitation services such as Evite, there is even a feature that allows you to make a list of items you need and have people volunteer to bring them so you don’t end up with duplicates. This can help keep costs down for everyone involved, and help add variety to your party.
BYOB
Beverages are the big ticket items when you think about party planning. It’s always the alcohol that costs the most money, and there’s no way around it. Plus, you always want to be sure to buy a variety of things to be sure there is something everyone will like. A great way around that is to promise to provide all the food for the party, but to have everyone bring the drinks they want. That way, those who want a specific kind of beer will have it, and those who only want soda will have that, too. You also won’t have a bunch of beverages left over that you’ll never drink and that you wasted money on. People will bring what they want and as much of it as they want, and the worry will be off of you.
Make it Yourself
Ordering cute-looking sports cakes or having several pizzas delivered to your front door may seem like a fun and easy way to host a party, but that expense can add up really quickly. To save money, buy the ingredients and make it yourself. Even if the ingredients cost about as much as the food does, you’ll save a ton of money on delivery charges, and you won’t have to leave in the middle of the game, to pick up your food, if you choose not to have it delivered. Also, having a create-your-own pizza or burger station can be a really fun addition to every party, while ensuring everyone gets what they want.
Famous Horse Racing Courses Around the World
That should explain why anyone who likes animals, loves horses! The
sheer strength, beauty and grace that a horse exhibits is unparalleled.
The sound of the hoofs when the horse trots, the hypnotic sight of a
horse grazing in the field, the adrenaline rush you experience at the
sound and sight of a galloping horse, are feelings that will leave a
lifelong impression on your mind's eye. You will never forget the first
time you rode a horse; you will always remember, in great detail, the
time when you saw a herd of horses galloping along the countryside; and
unless you have the means, you will always hope and wish to have a
horse!
Given the emotions we associate with horses, it isn't difficult to understand the popularity of Equestrian sports - right from show jumping, to dressage, to perhaps the most popular form of Equestrian sport, horse racing. Horse racing has a history of over a couple thousand years, with the earliest record of horse domestication dating back to ca. 4000 B.C.
Historically, horse racing was a part of the ancient Greek Olympics, with chariot racing being the most popular Equestrian sport. However, several forms of horse racing such as flat race, steeplechase (in which hurdles and fences are placed in the horse's track), endurance riding, etc., have now been established and have gained immense popularity over the years.
Horse racing events are held at horse racecourses, alternatively known as horse racetracks. Horse racetracks require special care and maintenance, as much as - or even more than - the fields that host football, cricket, tennis and other sports. There is a lot that goes into building a state-of-the-art racecourse. To give you a rough idea, the Meydan Racecourse of Dubai, UAE took an estimated $2 billion to be built! No doubt, derby is an expensive affair.
There are many top-class racecourses around the world, some as old as modern-day horse racing itself, and some only as young as the minimum age of a racing horse! Here is an account of famous horse racing courses from around the world.
*Mouse-over to reveal Name of Location. Click to jump to the Location.
DISCLAIMER: The world map depicted above may not be true-to-scale; it has been incorporated for artistic appeal only.
Contrary to popular belief, horse racing as a sport was established in North America almost two centuries before it was in the UK. The first ever racing meet of North America took place in the year 1665, under the supervision of the then New York's colonial governor, Richard Nicolls, with the first racetrack being built in the same year. However, it wasn't until the later half of the 18th century that the sport of horse racing gained a proper organized form. Here are some of the most famous horse racing courses in America.
USA
♞ Churchill Downs
Location: Louisville, Kentucky
Notable for: Kentucky Derby, Stephen Foster Handicap
The biggest racecourse (in terms of seating capacity), Churchill Downs is home to one of the races of the United States Triple Crown, the Kentucky Derby. (The second race of the Triple Crown is the Preakness Derby held at Pimlico Race Course, and the third is the Belmont Stakes held at Belmont Park.) Built in 1875, it was designated a National Historic Landmark a 111 years later, in 1986. The dirt track on which the derby is held, measures 1 mile in circumference and runs around the inner turf course. The racecourse also houses a clubhouse and a museum, and is undoubtedly one of the best horse racing courses around the world.
♞ Belmont Park
Location: Elmont, New York
Notable for: Belmont Stakes
Hosting the third leg of the United States Triple Crown "Belmont Stakes", Belmont Park is also known as "The Champion Track", owing to the fact that every champion in horse racing has competed at least once on the track. The legendary horse Secretariat set one of the two world records on this very racetrack - his Belmont Stakes victory of 2 minutes 24 seconds remains undefeated to date. He set his Kentucky Derby world record (1 minute 592⁄5 seconds) on the Churchill Downs racetrack. A statue of Secretariat was placed in the paddock of Belmont Park to honor him.
♞ Del Mar Racetrack
Location: Del Mar, California
Notable for: Del Mar Oaks (G1), Pacific Classic (G1)
With a 1 mile inner dirt track and a seven furlong outer turf course, the Del Mar Racetrack runs by the slogan "Where The Turf Meets The Surf". In its second year (i.e., in the year 1938) Del Mar hosted the historic race between racehorses Seabiscuit and Ligaroti, which went on to become the first race to be broadcast on NBC radio. With a grandstand located right on top of the Pacific Ocean, it hosts races from July to September every year.
♞ Santa Anita Park
Location: Arcadia, California
Notable for: Santa Anita Handicap (G1), Santa Anita Derby (G1)
Santa Anita Park is unanimously called the most beautiful horse racing course in the world, with the simultaneous massive and magnificent backdrop of the San Gabriel Mountains. It has a natural dirt track of 1 mile, and a shorter inner turf course. Santa Anita Park honors a chosen jockey with the George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award every year. It has been listed in the United States National Register of Historic Places.
♞ Keeneland
Location: Lexington, Kentucky
Notable for: Blue Grass Stakes (G1)
Ranked #1 by the Horseplayers Association of North America in 2009, and included both in the National Register of Historic Places and list of National Historic Landmarks in the US, Keeneland is one of the best horse racing courses around the world. It has a 1710 m dirt track and a 1509 m turf. Apart from horse racing, Keeneland is also popular for its horse auctions - held four times a year - and its exhaustive reference library on horse racing.
Canada
♞ Woodbine Racetrack
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Notable for: Canadian International Stakes (G1), Queen's Plate (G1)
The track to host the first ever Summer Paralympics in 1976, Woodbine Racetrack has a total of three racecourses, since 1994 - the 1.5 mile E. P. Taylor thoroughbred turf course (named after famous business tycoon and breeder Edward "Eddie" Plunket Taylor); the inner 1 mile thoroughbred Polytrack; and the innermost 0.875 miles crushed limestone racecourse for Standardbred horses. It is the only track in North America that holds thoroughbred and standardbred races on the same day.
♞ Hastings Racecourse
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
Notable for: British Columbia Breeders' Cup Derby (G3)
Hastings Racecourse was opened in the year 1889 and is home to British Columbia Breeders' Cup Derby. It is a 1⅛ miles race held on a dirt track, one of the most important races for 3-year old horses held at Hastings annually. It is also one of the richest races held at Hastings, with a purse of $250,000.
Although many world-class racecourses do exist in South America, horse racing as a sport is not so famous in South America, as it is in some other parts of the world. Nevertheless, horse races such as the Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini in Argentina are quite popular and famous and draw audiences from all over the continent. Here is an account of few of the racecourses in South America.
♞ Hipódromo de San Isidro
Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Notable for: Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini
The biggest racetrack in both North America and South America, Hipódromo de San Isidro was opened in 1935. It has a 2,783 meter long turf, on which 1000-meter long races are held. It is home to the single most important horse race in Argentina, the Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini. It is held every December.
♞ Hipodromo Nacional de Maroñas
Location: Montevideo, Uruguay
Notable for: Gran Premio José Pedro Ramírez
This racing track was opened in 1874. It has a 1.28 mile main dirt track on which races are held and a 1.24 mile training track. The most important of the races held on the track is the Gran Premio José Pedro Ramírez. It is a 1.49 miles race, held on Three Kings' Day every year. Apart from that, local horse races are held every weekend. The facility also includes a casino and café.
♞ Hipodromo La Rinconada
Location: Caracas, Venezuela
Notable for: Gran Premio Clásico Simón Bolívar (G1)
Claimed to be one of the most modern racetracks in the continent, Hipodromo La Rinconada was opened in 1959. Along with Gran Premio Clásico Simón Bolívar (G1), the Hipica Gala event hosted by this racetrack is also of prominence. The racecourse also houses a Museum of Arts, and the famous Alejandro Otero El Polyhedron.
Europe - particularly UK, France and Ireland - has a glorious and long history of horse racing, dating back to the early 18th century. The most popular form of horse racing in Europe is steeplechase (wherein horses have to jump over hurdles or fences). Competitive horse racing in UK is collectively called the National Hunt, or simply 'The National'. It is the single most prominent and prestigious horse racing event in Europe.
1] England
♞ Aintree Racecourse, England
Location: Aintree, Merseyside
Notable for: Grand National
There probably isn't a single derby fan who hasn't heard of the Aintree Racecourse; it is after all the most famous horse racing course in England. Aintree is home to the most definitive National Hunt steeplechase, the Grand National (which is also considered the most difficult steeplechase in the world, with 30 fences spread over a distance of 7,242 meters). If you are a great derby fan, you must, at least once in your lifetime, witness the Grand National at Aintree Racecourse. It is held every April.
♞ Cheltenham Racecourse
Location: Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
Notable for: Cheltenham Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle
With a natural amphitheater along the escarpment of the Cotswolds hills, the Cheltenham Racecourse is as much popular for its scenic beauty as it is for hosting one of the most important and élite horse racing events, the Cheltenham Festival. The festival comprises four renowned races - Cheltenham Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle, Queen Mother Champion Chase and Stayers Hurdle. The Steeplechasing Hall of Fame is also housed at Cheltenham Racecourse. This is another place you absolutely should visit!
♞ Ascot Racecourse
Location: Ascot, Berkshire
Notable for: King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Ascot Gold Cup
The Ascot Racecourse hosts a whopping 9 of the 32 annual G1 races in UK and is one of the élite horse racing courses in England. The best time to visit Ascot would be in the months of June and July when two of its most prestigious races, viz., Ascot Gold Cup and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, are held. Members of the Royal British Family attend the Royal Ascot (established in 1711 by Queen Anne) every year at the Ascot Racecourse.
2] Ireland
♞ Curragh Racecourse, Ireland
Location: Newbridge, Co. Kildare
Notable for: Irish Derby (G1)
The name Curragh is a derivative of the Irish word Cuirreach, which means "racecourse". The racecourse hosts all the five classic Irish horse racing events, viz., Irish 1,000 Guineas (G1), Irish 2,000 Guineas (G1), Irish Derby (G1), Irish Oaks (G1) and finally the Irish St. Leger (G1). These are also the races with the highest purses in Ireland. Though the first derby took place only in 1866, horse racing has been witnessed by this racecourse since as early as 1727.
3] France
♞ Chantilly Racecourse
Location: Chantilly, Oise
Notable for: Prix du Jockey Club, Prix de Diane
Chantilly Racecourse hosts 2 of the 4 French Classics, viz., the Prix du Jockey Club, and the Prix de Diane. The main course of Chantilly is 2400 meters long. The grandstand of this racecourse has never witnessed a renovation and/or reconstruction. It is as it was, when built in 1879. The racecourse also homes a 186-meter long stable, considered to be the finest and most beautiful in the world.
♞ Longchamp Racecourse (Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe)
Location: Route des Tribunes Bois de Boulogne, Paris
Notable for: Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
Most famous for hosting the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (one of the four French Classics, held every October), the specialty of the Longchamp Racecourse is that it has several interlocked racetracks, thus providing for great variety in the racing distances. More than half of the G1 category races of France are held at Longchamp.
Given the emotions we associate with horses, it isn't difficult to understand the popularity of Equestrian sports - right from show jumping, to dressage, to perhaps the most popular form of Equestrian sport, horse racing. Horse racing has a history of over a couple thousand years, with the earliest record of horse domestication dating back to ca. 4000 B.C.
Historically, horse racing was a part of the ancient Greek Olympics, with chariot racing being the most popular Equestrian sport. However, several forms of horse racing such as flat race, steeplechase (in which hurdles and fences are placed in the horse's track), endurance riding, etc., have now been established and have gained immense popularity over the years.
| WORLD FAMOUS HORSE RACING COURSES |
Horse racing events are held at horse racecourses, alternatively known as horse racetracks. Horse racetracks require special care and maintenance, as much as - or even more than - the fields that host football, cricket, tennis and other sports. There is a lot that goes into building a state-of-the-art racecourse. To give you a rough idea, the Meydan Racecourse of Dubai, UAE took an estimated $2 billion to be built! No doubt, derby is an expensive affair.
There are many top-class racecourses around the world, some as old as modern-day horse racing itself, and some only as young as the minimum age of a racing horse! Here is an account of famous horse racing courses from around the world.
| North America |
Contrary to popular belief, horse racing as a sport was established in North America almost two centuries before it was in the UK. The first ever racing meet of North America took place in the year 1665, under the supervision of the then New York's colonial governor, Richard Nicolls, with the first racetrack being built in the same year. However, it wasn't until the later half of the 18th century that the sport of horse racing gained a proper organized form. Here are some of the most famous horse racing courses in America.
USA
♞ Churchill Downs
Location: Louisville, Kentucky
Notable for: Kentucky Derby, Stephen Foster Handicap
The biggest racecourse (in terms of seating capacity), Churchill Downs is home to one of the races of the United States Triple Crown, the Kentucky Derby. (The second race of the Triple Crown is the Preakness Derby held at Pimlico Race Course, and the third is the Belmont Stakes held at Belmont Park.) Built in 1875, it was designated a National Historic Landmark a 111 years later, in 1986. The dirt track on which the derby is held, measures 1 mile in circumference and runs around the inner turf course. The racecourse also houses a clubhouse and a museum, and is undoubtedly one of the best horse racing courses around the world.
♞ Belmont Park
Location: Elmont, New York
Notable for: Belmont Stakes
Hosting the third leg of the United States Triple Crown "Belmont Stakes", Belmont Park is also known as "The Champion Track", owing to the fact that every champion in horse racing has competed at least once on the track. The legendary horse Secretariat set one of the two world records on this very racetrack - his Belmont Stakes victory of 2 minutes 24 seconds remains undefeated to date. He set his Kentucky Derby world record (1 minute 592⁄5 seconds) on the Churchill Downs racetrack. A statue of Secretariat was placed in the paddock of Belmont Park to honor him.
♞ Del Mar Racetrack
Location: Del Mar, California
Notable for: Del Mar Oaks (G1), Pacific Classic (G1)
With a 1 mile inner dirt track and a seven furlong outer turf course, the Del Mar Racetrack runs by the slogan "Where The Turf Meets The Surf". In its second year (i.e., in the year 1938) Del Mar hosted the historic race between racehorses Seabiscuit and Ligaroti, which went on to become the first race to be broadcast on NBC radio. With a grandstand located right on top of the Pacific Ocean, it hosts races from July to September every year.
♞ Santa Anita Park
Location: Arcadia, California
Notable for: Santa Anita Handicap (G1), Santa Anita Derby (G1)
Santa Anita Park is unanimously called the most beautiful horse racing course in the world, with the simultaneous massive and magnificent backdrop of the San Gabriel Mountains. It has a natural dirt track of 1 mile, and a shorter inner turf course. Santa Anita Park honors a chosen jockey with the George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award every year. It has been listed in the United States National Register of Historic Places.
♞ Keeneland
Location: Lexington, Kentucky
Notable for: Blue Grass Stakes (G1)
Ranked #1 by the Horseplayers Association of North America in 2009, and included both in the National Register of Historic Places and list of National Historic Landmarks in the US, Keeneland is one of the best horse racing courses around the world. It has a 1710 m dirt track and a 1509 m turf. Apart from horse racing, Keeneland is also popular for its horse auctions - held four times a year - and its exhaustive reference library on horse racing.
Back to Map
Canada
♞ Woodbine Racetrack
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Notable for: Canadian International Stakes (G1), Queen's Plate (G1)
The track to host the first ever Summer Paralympics in 1976, Woodbine Racetrack has a total of three racecourses, since 1994 - the 1.5 mile E. P. Taylor thoroughbred turf course (named after famous business tycoon and breeder Edward "Eddie" Plunket Taylor); the inner 1 mile thoroughbred Polytrack; and the innermost 0.875 miles crushed limestone racecourse for Standardbred horses. It is the only track in North America that holds thoroughbred and standardbred races on the same day.
♞ Hastings Racecourse
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
Notable for: British Columbia Breeders' Cup Derby (G3)
Hastings Racecourse was opened in the year 1889 and is home to British Columbia Breeders' Cup Derby. It is a 1⅛ miles race held on a dirt track, one of the most important races for 3-year old horses held at Hastings annually. It is also one of the richest races held at Hastings, with a purse of $250,000.
Back to Map
| South America |
Although many world-class racecourses do exist in South America, horse racing as a sport is not so famous in South America, as it is in some other parts of the world. Nevertheless, horse races such as the Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini in Argentina are quite popular and famous and draw audiences from all over the continent. Here is an account of few of the racecourses in South America.
♞ Hipódromo de San Isidro
Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Notable for: Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini
The biggest racetrack in both North America and South America, Hipódromo de San Isidro was opened in 1935. It has a 2,783 meter long turf, on which 1000-meter long races are held. It is home to the single most important horse race in Argentina, the Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini. It is held every December.
♞ Hipodromo Nacional de Maroñas
Location: Montevideo, Uruguay
Notable for: Gran Premio José Pedro Ramírez
This racing track was opened in 1874. It has a 1.28 mile main dirt track on which races are held and a 1.24 mile training track. The most important of the races held on the track is the Gran Premio José Pedro Ramírez. It is a 1.49 miles race, held on Three Kings' Day every year. Apart from that, local horse races are held every weekend. The facility also includes a casino and café.
♞ Hipodromo La Rinconada
Location: Caracas, Venezuela
Notable for: Gran Premio Clásico Simón Bolívar (G1)
Claimed to be one of the most modern racetracks in the continent, Hipodromo La Rinconada was opened in 1959. Along with Gran Premio Clásico Simón Bolívar (G1), the Hipica Gala event hosted by this racetrack is also of prominence. The racecourse also houses a Museum of Arts, and the famous Alejandro Otero El Polyhedron.
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| Europe |
Europe - particularly UK, France and Ireland - has a glorious and long history of horse racing, dating back to the early 18th century. The most popular form of horse racing in Europe is steeplechase (wherein horses have to jump over hurdles or fences). Competitive horse racing in UK is collectively called the National Hunt, or simply 'The National'. It is the single most prominent and prestigious horse racing event in Europe.
1] England
♞ Aintree Racecourse, England
Location: Aintree, Merseyside
Notable for: Grand National
There probably isn't a single derby fan who hasn't heard of the Aintree Racecourse; it is after all the most famous horse racing course in England. Aintree is home to the most definitive National Hunt steeplechase, the Grand National (which is also considered the most difficult steeplechase in the world, with 30 fences spread over a distance of 7,242 meters). If you are a great derby fan, you must, at least once in your lifetime, witness the Grand National at Aintree Racecourse. It is held every April.
♞ Cheltenham Racecourse
Location: Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
Notable for: Cheltenham Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle
With a natural amphitheater along the escarpment of the Cotswolds hills, the Cheltenham Racecourse is as much popular for its scenic beauty as it is for hosting one of the most important and élite horse racing events, the Cheltenham Festival. The festival comprises four renowned races - Cheltenham Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle, Queen Mother Champion Chase and Stayers Hurdle. The Steeplechasing Hall of Fame is also housed at Cheltenham Racecourse. This is another place you absolutely should visit!
♞ Ascot Racecourse
Location: Ascot, Berkshire
Notable for: King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Ascot Gold Cup
The Ascot Racecourse hosts a whopping 9 of the 32 annual G1 races in UK and is one of the élite horse racing courses in England. The best time to visit Ascot would be in the months of June and July when two of its most prestigious races, viz., Ascot Gold Cup and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, are held. Members of the Royal British Family attend the Royal Ascot (established in 1711 by Queen Anne) every year at the Ascot Racecourse.
2] Ireland
♞ Curragh Racecourse, Ireland
Location: Newbridge, Co. Kildare
Notable for: Irish Derby (G1)
The name Curragh is a derivative of the Irish word Cuirreach, which means "racecourse". The racecourse hosts all the five classic Irish horse racing events, viz., Irish 1,000 Guineas (G1), Irish 2,000 Guineas (G1), Irish Derby (G1), Irish Oaks (G1) and finally the Irish St. Leger (G1). These are also the races with the highest purses in Ireland. Though the first derby took place only in 1866, horse racing has been witnessed by this racecourse since as early as 1727.
3] France
♞ Chantilly Racecourse
Location: Chantilly, Oise
Notable for: Prix du Jockey Club, Prix de Diane
Chantilly Racecourse hosts 2 of the 4 French Classics, viz., the Prix du Jockey Club, and the Prix de Diane. The main course of Chantilly is 2400 meters long. The grandstand of this racecourse has never witnessed a renovation and/or reconstruction. It is as it was, when built in 1879. The racecourse also homes a 186-meter long stable, considered to be the finest and most beautiful in the world.
♞ Longchamp Racecourse (Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe)
Location: Route des Tribunes Bois de Boulogne, Paris
Notable for: Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
Most famous for hosting the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (one of the four French Classics, held every October), the specialty of the Longchamp Racecourse is that it has several interlocked racetracks, thus providing for great variety in the racing distances. More than half of the G1 category races of France are held at Longchamp.
Famous Female Golfers of All Time
Golf is a game of coordination, rhythm and grace; women have these to a high degree." ~ Babe Didrikson Zaharias
They were given limited access to courses, completely barred from entering a few. They were even kept out of the club bars, and they couldn't even dream of being the club captain. Like every other fundamental right, women had to fight their way to yield a golf club as well; and this to have happened with a game whose first exclusive course was commissioned by a woman.
That woman was Mary, Queen of Scots, and the course? St. Andrews, of course; aptly considered to be the home of golf. Women have certainly come a long way since Her Royal Highness committed the alleged debauchery of playing (celebrating?) golf just after the death of her husband.
Cut to the present day with playing conditions for women golfers having improved by leaps and bounds, completely disregarding golfing upmanship. Having broken through the proverbial golfing glass ceiling, women no longer have a point to prove, and the following ladies will tell you why.
Playing golf was a way of life for these women. For the women golfers belonging to the previous century, it was, perhaps, a deliberate show of defiance to the uptight, all-man image that the game of golf had. It is still not dramatically different from what it was, with its archetypical golf etiquette intact. But what even the toughest of golf cynics and famous golfers will admit is that as with all sports, the presence of women makes it interesting, if not better.
They were given limited access to courses, completely barred from entering a few. They were even kept out of the club bars, and they couldn't even dream of being the club captain. Like every other fundamental right, women had to fight their way to yield a golf club as well; and this to have happened with a game whose first exclusive course was commissioned by a woman.
That woman was Mary, Queen of Scots, and the course? St. Andrews, of course; aptly considered to be the home of golf. Women have certainly come a long way since Her Royal Highness committed the alleged debauchery of playing (celebrating?) golf just after the death of her husband.
Cut to the present day with playing conditions for women golfers having improved by leaps and bounds, completely disregarding golfing upmanship. Having broken through the proverbial golfing glass ceiling, women no longer have a point to prove, and the following ladies will tell you why.
| Greatest Female Golfers Ever |
Babe Didrikson Zaharias
Let's
just keep golf aside for a while, and spare a moment to take in the
magnanimity of this woman's achievements. An Olympic medalist for track
and field events, an All-American basketball player, an excellent
skater, diver and bowler ... Mildred Ella 'Babe' Didrikson Zaharias was
one extraordinary 'babe', if there ever was one. Being denied amateur
status, she went on to participate in the Los Angeles Open, a men's PGA
tournament in 1938, setting a standard of sorts. After obtaining amateur
status in 1942, she went on to win the U.S. Women's Amateur in 1946 and
became the first American to win the British Ladies Amateur, a year
later. She gained professional status in the same year and became a
founding member of the Ladies Professional Golf Association.
» Babe Didrikson Zaharias had won a total of 82 golf tournaments before she succumbed to cancer in 1956.
» Babe Didrikson Zaharias had won a total of 82 golf tournaments before she succumbed to cancer in 1956.
Edith Cummings
One
of the best amateur golfers of the early twentieth century, Edith
Cummings was born into a wealthy Chicago family in 1899. Her biggest
achievement remains winning the U.S. Women's Amateur in 1923. In August
1924, Edith appeared on the cover of Time magazine, the first
sportswoman to have achieved that feat. In 1924, Edith won the Women's
Western Amateur. She started playing golf after graduating from school,
an achievement in itself, considering the fact that golf was an elitist,
male-dominated sport.
» The Edith Cummings Munson Golf Award is instituted in her honor, and is given to a deserving college-level female golfer with a good academic record.
» The Edith Cummings Munson Golf Award is instituted in her honor, and is given to a deserving college-level female golfer with a good academic record.
Kathy Whitworth
Kathy
Whitworth tops the list of most tournament wins with 88. For 17 years,
beginning in 1962, she won at least one tournament each year, a
one-of-its-kind feat in the world of women's golf. Another outstanding
achievement of hers happened in 1981 when Kathy became the first woman
to touch the one million dollars worth of career earnings on the LPGA
Tour. The statistics don't end here - Kathy was LPGA Player of the Year
seven times between 1966 and 1973. Kathy's putting skills were
legendary. The only grouse about an otherwise stellar career was that
she didn't win a U.S. Women's Open.
» Kathy Whitworth is a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame.
» Kathy Whitworth is a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame.
Mickey Wright
Golf Digest and Golf Magazine
heralded Mary Kathryn Wright as the best woman golfer of all time, and
rightfully so. When golfing legend, Ben Hogan declared her swing to be
the best he'd ever seen, you wouldn't dare question her technique.
Mickey stands just behind Kathy Whitworth with 82 tournament wins in her
illustrious career. She won 5 tour events in 1960, and had a tournament
named after her the following year; no prizes for guessing who won the
Mickey Wright Invitational!
» Leg injuries cut short Mickey's career prematurely in 1969; however, she still remains a recreational golfer.
» Leg injuries cut short Mickey's career prematurely in 1969; however, she still remains a recreational golfer.
Patty Berg
Nicknamed
'Dynamite', Patricia Berg was a founding member and the first president
of the LPGA. In 1946, she became the winner of the first U.S. Women's
Open Championship. She went on to win 15 major championships in her
career, a record number for women's golf. This win, however, came after
Patty spent time serving in the Second World War as a Marine. Patty
began playing golf at the age of 13 and won her first city championship
three years later, under the guidance of her coach, Bud Wilkinson.
» The LPGA instituted the Patty Berg Award for the most prolific female golfer of the year.
» The LPGA instituted the Patty Berg Award for the most prolific female golfer of the year.
| Famous Female Golfers |
Annika Sörenstam
Long
hits, razor-sharp accuracy and a shy demeanor characterize Annika
Sörenstam, arguably the best female golfer ever, with only Mickey Wright
to dispute her claim to that position. Annika has to her credit 90
international tournament wins, 72 LPGA titles, which include 10 major
tournaments, and her career earnings crossed a whopping 22 million
dollars - outstanding as per women's golfing standards. Every milestone
in Annika's career turned a record setter, each better than the last.
She was invited to play in the Bank of America Colonial golf tournament
in 2003, and became the first woman to do so after Babe Zaharias,
disgruntling the other participants of the men-only PGA tournament.
» Annika retired from mainstream golf in 2008, and is now an entrepreneur and a mother.
» Annika retired from mainstream golf in 2008, and is now an entrepreneur and a mother.
Michelle Wie
A
certified child prodigy, Michelle Wie is golf's glamor girl. Michelle
was born in Hawaii to immigrants from South Korea, and started playing
golf since she was four. She soon began to demolish records. Aged 11,
she won the Hawaii State Women's Stroke-Play Championship and the Jennie
K. Wilson Women's Invitational, considered to be the most prestigious
women's tournament in Hawaii. She also became the youngest player of her
time to qualify for an LPGA tournament. Her 2 professional wins include
the Lorena Ochoa Invitational in 2009 and the Canadian Women's Open in
2010. It was just before her 16th birthday that she turned professional,
which was followed by a string of lucrative endorsement deals that made
her a cool 20 million dollars.
» With her reported run-ins with the authorities and her alleged arrogance, Michelle is still the darling of the endorsement world.
» With her reported run-ins with the authorities and her alleged arrogance, Michelle is still the darling of the endorsement world.
Se Ri Pak
Se
Ri Pak was the first South Korean golfer to have left a lasting
impression on the world of golf. She was just 20 when she won the U.S.
Women's Open, making her the youngest player to do so. It didn't end
there. Se Ri Pak went on to win 3 LPGA Championships and the Women's
British Open as well. Her exemplary performances led to her being almost
inducted in the Golf Hall of Fame in 2005, but wasn't, as she was yet
to complete the minimum career duration prior to being inducted in the
Hall of Fame.
» Se Ri Pak entered the Hall of Fame in 2007, and became the youngest living entrant to have done so.
» Se Ri Pak entered the Hall of Fame in 2007, and became the youngest living entrant to have done so.
Karrie Webb
Karrie
Webb was a force to reckon with, in the late nineties. An Australian,
Karrie is the winner of 38 LPGA tournaments and 7 majors. In 1999, she
managed to bag a spot in the top 10 sixteen times, which remains an LPGA
record. Often considered to be the only player to rival the formidable
Annika Sörenstam, she frequently proved herself to be the better of the
two. Karrie won the U.S. Women's Open in 2000 and 2001 and the British
Women's Open in 2002. The 2003-2004 season saw a dip in Karrie's form,
but she bounced back in 2006 with 5 tournament wins.
» She became a Member of the Order of Australia in 2010 not only for her golfing exploits, but for her contributions to community welfare as well.
» She became a Member of the Order of Australia in 2010 not only for her golfing exploits, but for her contributions to community welfare as well.
Yani Tseng
This
cheerful, young Taiwanese golfer won her first major when she was just
19, and her fans were not surprised when she became the number one
women's player at age 22. Yani was a child prodigy as well, and came to
live in the United States to hone her golfing skills at the David
Leadbetter academy. Yani stormed into the spotlight when she won the
U.S. Women's Amateur Public Links Championship by defeating strong
contender Michelle Wie.
» The year 2011 belonged to Yani as she became the first golfer to win five majors.
» The year 2011 belonged to Yani as she became the first golfer to win five majors.
Playing golf was a way of life for these women. For the women golfers belonging to the previous century, it was, perhaps, a deliberate show of defiance to the uptight, all-man image that the game of golf had. It is still not dramatically different from what it was, with its archetypical golf etiquette intact. But what even the toughest of golf cynics and famous golfers will admit is that as with all sports, the presence of women makes it interesting, if not better.
Sports & Recreation
Although sports can be defined as physical exertion for recreation or in
competition, sports enthusiasts would probably have their own
definition. Since the creation of the first sports teams, there have
been dedicated sports enthusiasts – sports fans – who thrive on its
competitive nature. Sports are highly complex, involving organization;
complicated sets of rules; sophisticated equipment; precise timing,
measuring, and scoring devices; spectators; and extensive coverage by
media.
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