From the first history books ever written, it is clear that horse racing has always (1) _____ an important sport. It started in Central Asia about 4,500 years (2) ______and was a favourite sport in both Greek and Roman times. Modern horse racing began when Arab horse were brought to Europe (3)_______the 12^th century. At first, races were long and (4) ______just to horse, but at the beginning of the 18^th century this changed. Races became much shorter and had several hours racing against (5)_______other. Today, horse racing (6) _______watched by more people than any other sport I the USA, except baseball. It is also very popular in other parts of the world.

From the first history books ever written, it is clear that horse racing has always (1) _____ an important sport.