Horse races are events in which racehorses compete for a purse of money. The sport of horse racing has a long history and is played by many different nations and cultures. The sport originated as a game that involved horses connected to two-wheeled carts or chariots, and it became a formal competition sometime before 1000 B.C.E. The sport has also played an important role in myth and legend, and the contest between a horse and the giant Hrungnir in Norse mythology is probably the best known example of this.
The earliest races were match contests between only two, or at most three, horses. Pressure from the public, however, soon produced open events with larger fields of runners. Rules were developed governing eligibility, such as age, sex, birthplace, and previous performance. In addition, a breeder’s license to breed was required in order to participate in certain races. In 1913, the Jersey Act was passed, which disqualified many British Thoroughbreds with American bloodlines, although this quota system was later rescinded.
Individual flat races are typically run over distances ranging from 440 yards (400 m) to four miles (6 km). Shorter races, known as sprints in the United States and routes in Europe, require fast acceleration, while longer races test the horses’ stamina. A steeplechase, which involves a variety of obstacles, is one of the most challenging and dangerous types of races for horses.
Before the start of a race, horses are paraded around the paddock for inspection and to meet the stewards, officials who oversee the conduct of the races. Once the stewards have verified the identity of the racehorses, jockeys (riders) begin to saddle them. The riders then enter the starting gate and race to a position in front of the leaders.
Throughout the race, a jockey’s duties are to ride his or her assigned horse to victory. In addition to steering the horse, the jockey must judge whether to conserve energy or increase its speed at key points in the race. The rider’s judgment is especially important when determining whether to go for the lead or fall back, since a mistake could result in a loss of several lengths.
Once a race has been completed, the winning bettors are paid out based on the amount they wager and their odds of winning. This is called parimutuel betting, which differs from traditional bookmaking in that the winning bettors pay for the losses of other bettors, who in turn are paid by the track for their wagers, after a deduction of a percentage of the money wagered by the track (the Take Out).
The term “horse race” may also refer to a type of horse show, where horses are evaluated for beauty and talent. These shows are often held at fairgrounds and feature a large number of participants. The most prestigious shows are the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, which are televised and offer large cash prizes. Other popular horse shows include the Grand National, the Silver Cup, and the Royal Ascot.