A horse race is a competition in which horses and their riders compete for prize money. The horses must travel around a course and leap any required obstacles, and then cross the finish line first to win. The winner’s prize is awarded according to a set of rules and regulations that may differ from country to country, but the vast majority follow the British rulebook established in the mid-18th century. These rules and regulations are designed to protect both the health of the horses and the integrity of the sport.
There are many different types of races. Some are open to all entrants, while others have specific eligibility requirements such as age, sex, birthplace, or previous performance. The races may also have a specified distance, a specific number of furlongs (half a mile), or be restricted to certain breeds of horses. The horses’ owners must also meet minimum qualifications, including a license to run the race.
To ensure that a fair race is conducted, the race must be judged by a panel of stewards. These stewards will observe the course from various vantage points throughout the race, and determine whether a horse has met the requirements for victory. The stewards will then award the winner of each race according to their decision.
Some of the most spectacular horse races in history are head-to-head showdowns between top-class rivals. Secretariat’s record-setting 1973 Belmont Stakes is a classic example, as is Arkle’s 1964 Gold Cup win. Historically, such races are often considered to be the ultimate test of a horse’s ability.
Horses in a race must contend with the physical demands of running at speed, and the close quarters can often lead to injuries. The most common injury is a bleeding condition known as exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage, which occurs when the horse’s lungs lose fluid in response to strenuous exertion. This can often lead to collapse or death.
Veterinary care is a vital part of horse racing, and it is important to keep track of the condition of all the runners. The veterinary staff will monitor the equine athletes, and they will often administer drugs to mask any injuries or improve performance. Some of the most commonly used medications include acetaminophen, phenytoin, and Lasix.
There are a variety of ways to wager on a horse race. One method is to make a straight bet on the winner of the race, or place a parlay bet on several different horses to win. Other types of wagering options include a win bet and an exacta bet. In addition to these wagers, some races feature live racing or streaming options.