A horse race is a type of contest in which horses run around a track. It is typically organized by a group of owners, and wagers are placed on the winner. There are several types of horse races, and the most prestigious have large purses. Some horse races are regulated by governments and others have private control. The sport has entranced spectators for centuries and continues to be popular in many nations. A day at the racetrack can include a wide variety of activities, from wagering to enjoying food and drink.
The earliest horse races were match competitions between two or at most three horses. The owners provided the purse, and a simple wager was placed on the winner. An owner who withdrew forfeited half the prize money, and this rule was later extended to all bets. These agreements were recorded by disinterested third parties, who came to be known as keeper of the match book. One such keeper at Newmarket, England, began publishing An Historical List of All Horse-Matches Run (1729). The publication was consolidated as the Racing Calendar in 1773 by James Weatherby.
Modern horse races often have more than twenty runners. The most important factor in winning a race is the ability of the rider to guide the horse through the course, avoiding fences and jumping hurdles if present. A rider must also keep a close eye on the pace of his competitors, and be ready to pass them at the right time. In addition, the horses must be trained to behave in a manner that is pleasing to the crowd.
Most races have a purse that is divided among the first, second and third place finishers. However, some races are specialized and have different conditions that will affect the winning horse. For example, a race that is classified as a handicap race will have additional weights for the purpose of ensuring fairness to weaker horses. The weights are determined by a combination of factors, including the horse’s sex, age, jockey, and training.
The horse race is a fascinating sport, but the dark side of the industry has become a major focus for animal rights advocates. Besides the abuse and cruelty to racehorses, which is often ignored by the industry, PETA has conducted groundbreaking investigations into abusive training practices for young horses, drug use, and the fate of countless American horses who end up in foreign slaughterhouses.
During a horse race, the stewards and patrol judges, aided by a video camera, inspect the horses to make sure they are carrying the proper weight and are not infringing upon any rules. The horses are led into the starting gate, which is electrically operated at most tracks. A steward may require a saliva or urine sample from the jockeys, and he or she will examine the finish for any signs of rule violations. The race is then declared official.