A horse race is a sport that involves horses running in competition with each other. The horses are either ridden by jockeys or pulled by sulkies driven by drivers. It is one of the oldest forms of human competition and is a popular pastime for many people. It is also a popular spectator sport and people come to watch the races. The horses are usually trained and fed by their owners, who are called breeders. There are many types of horse racing, from short sprints to long distances. Some of the most famous races in the world are steeplechases. A steeplechase is a race over obstacles, such as hurdles and gates. These are often quite tall and can be difficult for the horses to jump. A horse that wins a steeplechase is often awarded a prize, such as a cup or a gold medal.
The sport of horse racing has a long history and is very popular in the United States, where it is the most common form of gambling on sports. The game is regulated by the federal government and its regulations are very strict. Many states prohibit gambling on horse races, but those that do have very strict regulations in place to protect the welfare of the horses and the integrity of the sport.
There are a number of betting methods for horse racing, including parimutuels, where winning bettors receive all of the money that was wagered on the winner, less a percentage taken by the track (Take Out). A player may also make exotic wagers on a race, which include a Daily Double, Pick 3 or more and a Pick 4.
In North America, thoroughbreds are the most commonly used horses to race. In general, large mature horses are preferred and stamina is as important as speed. Most horses race through age 10, although they can be retired at any time, based on their owner’s choice.
Many racetracks have a set of rules that must be followed by horses, trainers and riders. Generally, these rules are outlined in a document known as the Conditions of Entry. This document sets out the eligibility requirements for a race, including a horse’s age, sex, birthplace and previous performances. The document also sets out a number of other important requirements, such as the minimum height for a rider and the maximum weight for a jockey.
There have been a series of deaths at racetracks in recent years, the most infamous being 30 at Santa Anita in 2019. This has led to a series of reforms to improve safety measures on the track. A number of these improvements include the use of thermal imaging cameras, MRI scanners, X-rays and endoscopes to spot minor or major health issues before they can progress. There is also a growing understanding that horses are animals and should be treated as such. Donations from horsemen and gamblers are essential to help these injured horses, but they do not cancel out participation in ongoing, and deadly, exploitation of younger running horses.