A horse race is a type of athletic competition involving horses and riders. It is one of the most popular spectator sports and a major tourist attraction in many countries. During a horse race, the jockeys mount the horses and guide them around the course. The winning horse is the one that crosses the finish line first. The first two runners-up get a certain amount of money.
In the United States, a horse race is usually held at a track called a horse racing oval. The track is oval in shape and has a length of more than two miles. The race begins when a starting gate is opened, and the horses are led to the starting line. The horses then begin running, and a stewards’ car or patrol judge watches the race for any violations. The judging team uses a special camera to photograph the finish, and then the results are announced.
The earliest races were match races between two or three horses, with the owners providing the purse and betting a simple wager. Later, open events were created with rules governing eligibility based on age, sex, birthplace, and previous performances. These races were known as sprints and route races in the United States, or as staying races in Europe. A fast turn of foot is essential to winning a sprint, and stamina is important in longer distance races. A horse’s ability to accelerate is also an important consideration in long-distance races.
A specialized type of horse race is the steeplechase. This is a grueling, dangerous event in which the horses must jump a series of obstacles over natural terrain. This race has been popular in the United Kingdom and Ireland for centuries. It was even a favorite sport of cavalry officers, as it required quick acceleration and endurance. The steeplechase is a relic of ancient contests over natural terrain in which church steeples were used as landmarks.
As a result of the increased public awareness, many improvements have been made to horse races, including safer racetracks and kinder training methods for young horses. In addition, PETA has conducted ground-breaking investigations into the abuse of racehorses and the use of illegal drugs in the industry. Many racehorses die from the extreme physical stress of competing, while others suffer serious injuries during races and in training and are then transported to slaughterhouses where they are turned into glue, dog food, and meat for consumption in other countries.
Media scholars have found that politicians are more likely to use horse race metaphors when they are losing an election or seeking political office. These metaphors are more effective than other types of rhetoric, such as the term red state versus blue state, because they suggest a close contest that is not necessarily clear-cut and can be interpreted in various ways.
Throughout this election cycle, many pundits have used the phrase horse race in reference to the tight contest between Trump and Clinton. This is a reversal of historical trends in which the term was more often applied to Democratic candidates.