Why do they play a bugle before the start of horse races? ESPN The Magazine | |
Phyllis Rogers, librarian, Keeneland Library, Lexington: It's a signal to everybody that the horses are going onto the track. Why not just say, "Hey, everybody, the horses are going onto the track"? It probably predates the PA system. Yes, I see. They play "First Call" at most tracks, but at Keeneland the bugler prefers "Boots and Saddles." Rebel. Tom Gilcoyne, historian, National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame: I'm an old-timer, and I recall that F.A. Heckler was the first track bugler, at Monmouth Park in Jersey in 1885. You really are an old-timer. I wasn't there, sonny. Oh. According to The American Turf, "Mr. Heckler continued to act in the same capacity at all the race courses in the East." What a guy. Nina Gilbert, director of choral activities, Lafayette College, official A.G. music historian: The most common tune in racing is "Assembly of the Buglers," a.k.a. "First Call." It's a military tune, the first bugle call of the day. It was used to call the camp buglers. But if they were bugling for the buglers, who was doing the bugling? Can't say. Nerts. Funny thing about horns -- they seem to always have existed. Like Dick Clark! Well, not quite. Most instruments have mythological or biblical origins, like Jubal plucking the tendons on a turtle shell to make the first lyre. Free Bird! Or when Pan chased a nymph and the gods turned her into reeds. Lost me there, Nina. Pan gasped in angst; it was the first flute sound. Aqua Lung! And we know that Joshua blew his trumpet, and the walls came tumbling down. Woe to thee, Jericho. But all the trumpet stories refer to earlier trumpets. That is funny.
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As an enthusiast and expert in the field of sports history, particularly in the traditions and rituals associated with horse racing, I can provide a comprehensive understanding of the historical context behind the use of bugle calls before the start of horse races.
The tradition of using bugle calls before horse races has deep roots in signaling and communication, predating modern PA systems. It serves as a time-honored method to announce and alert everyone that the horses are about to enter the track.
The use of bugle calls, such as "First Call," "Boots and Saddles," and "Assembly of the Buglers," is rooted in military tradition. "First Call" is a standard bugle call, the first of the day in military camps, signaling the beginning of the day's activities. It was adapted into horse racing to signal the imminent start of the race, maintaining a sense of tradition and formality.
Historically, F.A. Heckler is noted as one of the first track buglers, dating back to 1885 at Monmouth Park in New Jersey. His role in popularizing the use of bugle calls at racecourses in the East contributed significantly to the tradition's establishment.
Moreover, the discussion in the provided article delves into the historical significance of musical instruments, including horns, trumpets, and their mythical or biblical origins. References to Jubal creating the first lyre, Pan's transformation of a nymph into reeds, and Joshua's trumpet blowing at Jericho showcase the ancient and varied history of wind instruments and their cultural significance.
This tradition of using bugle calls in horse racing stands as a testament to the intersection of historical practices, military customs, and the enduring heritage associated with the sport.
For further insights or inquiries into the rich history and cultural significance of sports traditions, feel free to ask specific questions or seek more detailed information.
