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    Why are some racehorse tracks referred to as downs, as an example, Epsom Downs? Football comes to mind before horses.

    Question #112434. Asked by 29CoveRoad. (Jan 27 10 6:49 PM)


    sarahcateh

    		Horse racing originated on grass tracks in England. In England, 'downs' is used to refer to "high, open, grassy land". American horse racing emulates the English tradition, and thus some of the tracks are referred to as 'downs'.

    http://www.nmrls.org/news/decjan06/mhl.shtml

    Jan 27 10, 10:51 PM
    Zbeckabee

    		down (doun) n.
    1.An expanse of rolling, grassy, treeless upland used for grazing. Often used in the plural.
    2.often Down Any of several breeds of sheep having short wool, originally bred in the Downs of southern England.

    http://www.answers.com/topic/down

    Epsom Downs is a Grade 1 racecourse near Epsom, Surrey, England. The "downs" referred to in the name are part of the North Downs.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epsom_Downs_Racecourse

    Jan 27 10, 10:51 PM

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