Horse racing began in ancient Iran as a Mithraic festival in honor of Khorshed (the sun) and Mehr (Mithra). While praying to Mithra, the rider would ask for strength and swiftness to his horse first. The Mithraic horse races were incorporated into the Olympic games of Greece
Persische Bogenschützen des Palastes von Darius dem Großen in Susa, aufbewahrt im Berliner Museum