A horse race is a form of racing in which horses compete against each other over a distance. They can be run on a flat or grass surface, over varying lengths. Short races, called sprints, are typically considered tests of speed and stamina. Longer, longer-distance races are often referred to as routes or staying races.
A race may be a handicap, in which the starting lineup is drawn randomly or by other methods, or a regulated open event, in which horses are entered on a quota system based on age, weight, and other factors. Races are held all over the world. The most famous is probably the Kentucky Derby, which draws crowds of thousands to its starting line in Louisville.
The term horse race can also be used in a political context to refer to any contest where there are two candidates vying for the highest office. However, when referring to a political race the word is often accompanied by mudslinging and other negative tactics. It’s easy for the real issues at stake in a race to get lost in the shuffle of attack ads and horse-race rhetoric.
Horse races have entranced spectators for centuries. Some of the earliest accounts of horses competing date back to the Greek Olympic Games, where riders rode bareback and hitched their horses to chariots. Today, horse racing continues to captivate audiences, with many people attending races at the local track or on television. A day at the races can include anything from placing a wager to enjoying gourmet food and drinks.
When bettors watch a race, they usually cheer on a particular horse by its number rather than its name. Seabiscuit, for example, was a crowd favorite who was known by his race number, 3. Bettors look at the horse’s coat in the walking ring before the start of a race to see if it is bright and shiny and rippling with energy.
The race track’s condition can have a big impact on the outcome of a race. For example, a track that has recently received heavy rain can make it difficult for the horses to get up to top speed. In addition, the race course must be properly rated to ensure that the horses can safely complete the race.
After a horse has stopped winning races or becomes injured, few owners want to continue paying for it, so it ends up in slaughterhouses in Canada, Mexico, Japan, and elsewhere. It is then ground up and made into glue, dog food, or a variety of other products. Some trainers use drugs such as furosemide (commonly sold as Lasix) to give their horses an edge in the race by allowing them to run faster and power through pain. Animal welfare advocates argue that these drugs should be banned in horse racing. However, some in the industry believe that self-regulation is the best way to keep doping under control.