A horse race is a form of competition in which people wager on which horse will win a particular race. The contest has a long history and is often used in sports, politics and business. Despite its popularity, some people oppose the concept and have called for reforms.
A popular sport amongst the ancient Greeks, Romans and Babylonians, the horse race is still an important aspect of many cultures and is a central part of myth and legend, including the tale of Odin’s contest with Hrungnir, the giant horse. The modern horse race is usually held on a track and takes place between two horses or teams of horses. The first to cross the finish line wins. Some races are contested by large numbers of horses, while others are limited to a handful of runners. A horse race may be a simple contest or one that is very complex and technical, depending on the size of the field and the type of horse being raced.
In the earliest days of organized racing, American Thoroughbreds were built with stamina in mind, rather than speed. This remained the case until after the Civil War, when speed became the mark of excellence in the industry. Today, most major thoroughbred races are run over a mile and are designed to test both the speed and endurance of the horses.
The equine athletes that participate in these races are extremely vulnerable to injury and death, both from the impact of running at high speeds and from the repeated jostling of other horses. One study found that, on average, three thoroughbreds die each day from injuries sustained in races.
While defenders of the industry argue that these deaths are rare and not caused by the sport, animal rights activists have used the issue to demand reform or even outright bans of horse racing. In addition to the physical risks, some activists point to the mental and emotional suffering of racehorses. Because of their unnatural training and confinement, it is not uncommon for them to suffer from compulsive behavior such as cribbing (biting on the gate), pacing, grunting and self-mutilation.
A common way to organize a horse race is to hold a claiming race, which allows trainers to enter their horses at a lower cost than would be possible in a stakes race. A trainer can then hope to win the race and claim a share of the prize money. These types of races tend to attract a mix of young, inexperienced horses and older veterans who are looking for their next step up the ladder.
Other important aspects of a horse race include the use of a “pill box” to determine post position, the patrol judge(s) who monitor the race from different vantage points and the purse, which is paid to the owners of each entrant. A race may also feature a number of exotic wagering options such as the parimutuel and the wheel.