Horse races are contests of speed between horses that are either ridden by jockeys or pulled in sulkies and driven by drivers. The sport is a global pastime that attracts millions of spectators each year to tracks in North America, Europe, Asia and elsewhere. Despite its popularity, the industry has faced increasing criticism of horse abuse, particularly in training and drug use. A growing awareness of the dark side of the business has resulted in fewer fans, fewer race days and declining earnings.
The breeding, training and racing of racehorses is a complex art and science. Many stables adhere to time-honored traditions inherited from generations of owners and trainers. The physical prowess of these animals is a matter of pride for their owners and breeders, who devote considerable resources to maintaining their optimal condition for the racetrack. The sport is also an important source of income for the industry, which provides jobs for thousands of people around the world.
In flat races (those without jumps), horses are assigned a weight to carry for fairness and equality of competition. Generally, the faster a horse is, the lighter the weight it must carry. Other factors that affect a horse’s performance include its sex, gender, training and experience. The best-bred horses are usually entered in the most prestigious and highest-stakes races, which have the largest purses.
Throughout history, horse racing has been associated with wagering on its outcome. Wagers can be placed on a single horse to win, multiple horses in an exacta (picking the first three finishers in order), or on two or more horses to place or show. A bet to win is the most common and involves betting that a particular horse will cross the finish line in first place.
A horse’s ability to win a race is dependent on its health, stamina and the skill of its jockey or driver. The latter must be able to control the animal while urging it on, and to avoid mistakes that could lead to injury. To improve their chances of winning, a jockey will frequently practice with the horse, called breezing or hand riding, in which they will urge the animal with their hands and arms, rather than using the whip.
A horse’s name identifies it and is often derived from its family background. A horse’s sire is its father; its dam, its mother; and its filly is its half-sister. An equine veterinarian can perform an examination of a racehorse and prescribe medication to treat illness, injuries or other problems. In some cases, racehorses may be treated with cocktails of legal and illegal drugs to mask pain and enhance performance. In some cases, a horse that has been pushed beyond its limits will bleed from the lungs in a condition known as exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH). To mitigate this problem, many horses are given furosemide, better known by the brand name Lasix, which is a diuretic with performance-enhancing properties.