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Originally Posted by Calzone Lord
When exactly is the start of the "modern era" in horse racing?
I keep hearing the phrase modern era ... but no one seems to define it.
The Daily Racing Form was first published in 1896 ... and all the old past performances and result charts still exist from April 1st 1896 onward at the Keeneland Library. Is that the cut off?
Sir Barton won the first triple crown and Man O' War started racing in 1919 ... is that the cut off?
I can't really think of anything else that would seperate the modern era from the pre modern era.
My best guess would be the start of the modern era in horse racing would be either April 1st 1896 or Jan 1st 1919.
Anyone else with an idea?
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Yes. When they changed the extant American Thoroughbred bloodstock, by massive European importations. After the Depression. Maybe a little earlier. But starting with the big farms of the 1930's - 1940's, with their Euro imported stallions.