Steeplechase (horse racing) Steeplechase (horse racing) A steeplechase is a distance horse race in which competitors are required to jump diverse fence and ditch obstacles. Steeplechasing is primarily conducted in Ireland (where it originated), the United Kingdom, Canada, United States, Australia and France. The name is derived from early races in which orientation of the course was by reference to a church steeple, jumping fences and ditches and generally traversing the many intervening obstacles in the countryside. Modern usage of the term "steeplechase" differs between countries. In Ireland and the United Kingdom, it refers only to races run over large, fixed obstacles, in
Horse racing in Thailand place no more than once a week in Bangkok. Toward the end of the twentieth century, horse racing experienced a gradual decline as races became more restricted and other forms of (illegal) gambling gained popularity. Several racecourses underwent restructuring and/or change of ownership in the 1990s. Today, seven of eight racecourses throughout the country remain operational. In addition to the two in Bangkok, there are racecourses in Nakhon Ratchasima, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Roi Et and Chiang Mai provinces. (The one in Maha Sarakham has since closed down.) Horse racing in Thailand Horse racing was introduced to Thailand in the