A Wild Goose Chase is a futile pursuit with no hope of successful result. Its origin lies in the earliest form of horse racing during 16th Century England. To start the race, the lead horse would be sent off in any direction the rider felt like. After a short delay a second rider would be allowed to follow in pursuit, then all other competitors could too, at regular intervals. Because none of the pursuing riders knew which route the lead horse had gone by, they all set off in various directions – something akin to wild geese scurrying after their leader. The term was regularly applied to this particular sport but it seems to have been Shakespeare who altered the meaning to one of hopeless pursuit.