Horse Racing is very popular in many parts of the world, even South Africa. The event began here in 1797, although the first recorded club meeting took place in 1802. Currently its premier event is the Durban July handicap, an event that draws roughly 50,000 people each year. The sport is also popular in Australia where the annual Melbourne Cup is referred to as the ‘race that stops a nation.’ This country’s first racing club was formed in Wallahbadah in 1852. The Wallahbadah cup is actually still held every year on New Year’s Day.

The horse racing sport was established in New Zealand back during colonial times. At the present time it is practically an integral part of the country’s economy. It also does much to improve the local economies throughout the country. It is estimated that 40,000 people throughout the country depend on the sport for their livelihood. As you can imagine, the sport goes back centuries in European countries such as France. The most popular course in this region is the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe which is held the first Sunday in October in Longchamp Racecourse.

In Italy, the most famous horse racing event is the Palio di Siena. This race is held twice a year, on July 2 and August 16. An interesting aspect of this race is that each of the 17 horses and riders represent one of the 17 city wards. This race invariably follows an elegant pageant which attracts spectators from all over the world. As was previously mentioned, Great Britain prefers obstacle racing, but there are some other interesting things about their races as well. For example, instead of referring to races as ‘Race 1, Race 2,’ the races are named after the time they begin. For example, they would be called 2:30, 4:00.

While it is beyond the scope of this article to explain the different races throughout each country, the sport is also very popular in Asian countries, especially China, Singapore, Malaysia, India, Japan, Mongolia, Pakistan, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates. In these countries however, betting may be illegal, or strictly regulated. Each country has its own laws regarding this. Japan has a large number of races held each year, roughly 21,000 in three different types: flat racing, jump racing, and draft racing. Altogether, the country has a total of 30 different race tracks. For more information visit http://www.hipro86.com.

The Italians come into the game after topping Group E with 7 points. De Rossi is serving the second match of a four-match ban after his sending off against the USA, while Nesta will sit out the Kaiserslautern clash with a thigh strain.

Nesta has been struggling with the injury for the past couple of months and was substituted early in Italy’s 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic.

His replacement in that game, Marco Materazzi, is likely to take his place.

The Australians come into the game on the back of taking runners up spot behind Brazil. They will be without suspended full-back Brett Emerton, while Zeljko Kalac, who plays his football for AC Milan, will be replaced by Mark Schwarzer.

The Middlesbrough keeper was left out of the 2-2 draw with Croatia, but after Kalac’s poor display against the Croatians Schwarzer will return.

Scott Chipperfield will make his 50th appearance for the Socceroos, if he figures against Italy.

The Australians should by no means be underestimated for this tie. They seem to possess a never say die attitude which displayed itself against Croatia, in a game where Harry Kewell levelled things late on to put them through.

Italy, however, are a different class, they haven’t really impressed as such throughout the tournament, and are prone to indiscipline. They did raise their game against the Czech’s winning 2-0.

I think Australia are capable of getting a goal with Viduka and Kewell up front, but with Toni and the experienc of Inzaghi on the bench, they should squeeze through, but its going to be tough.

I’m going for a correct score shout here. Italy to win 2-1 @ 7/1