A horse race is a competition in which horses, driven by jockeys on their backs, are forced to run at speeds that often exceed the animals’ physical limits. The sport has a long history and has been practiced in many cultures throughout the world for centuries. It is often viewed as a test of speed and stamina, although individual flat races may cover distances from two miles (3.2 km) to more than four miles (6.8 km).
In the 19th century, organized horse racing became a major industry in the United States and elsewhere, with many different types of races offered on both dirt and grass tracks. These races are generally categorized as sprints or routes, depending on the length of the race and whether obstacles are present.
The sport’s popularity soared after the Civil War, when Americans began to view Thoroughbreds as national treasures and a symbol of American ingenuity. After the Civil War, the sport also shifted toward a more specialized emphasis on speed and accelerated breeding programs, which resulted in smaller horses with greater potential for speed.
Today, horse races attract millions of spectators and generate billions in wagering. Bettors place bets on the winning horses and collect winnings, which are paid out according to a parimutuel system, with a percentage of the total bets deducted by the track (the Take Out). The top three finishers receive substantial cash prizes.
While horse racing is a popular spectator sport, it is not for everyone and the health risks of horse racing are significant. Some of these health concerns include severe leg injuries, brain damage, and heart attacks. Moreover, horse race betting is associated with higher rates of gambling addiction.
In addition to the physical challenges of horse racing, some horses are subjected to cruel treatment by trainers and owners. For example, some horses are subjected to electric-shocking devices, while others are whipped with whips that are so hard they can cause hemorrhages in the horses’ lungs. Other horses are given drugs that can be toxic to them if they aren’t administered correctly. Powerful painkillers designed for humans bleed over into race preparation, as do anti-psychotics, growth hormones, and blood doping.
In 2020 Congress decided it was unwilling to see horses die to entertain enthusiasts and enacted new rules requiring that basic safety standards be applied nationwide. A horse racing integrity and safety authority began enforcing those standards in July of 2022, and the hope is that it will help to lower the injury rate.