A horse race is a contest of speed between one or more horses, usually with a jockey attached to each. It is the most common form of racing in many countries, and has a rich history dating back to ancient civilizations. Archaeological evidence indicates that organized horse races, both of chariots and mounted riders, were held in the ancient Olympic Games of Greece (700-40 bce), and in Rome, Babylon, Syria, Egypt, and Arabia. In modern times, the sport has been popularized by television and radio broadcasts. It also plays an important part in myth and legend, for example, in the competition between the steeds of Odin and Hrungnir in Norse mythology.
The sport is often a source of controversy, with animal welfare advocates complaining that horses are subjected to excessive cruelty and abuse. Some of the ways in which this is done include drugging them to help them run faster, whipping them even when they are tired, and starving them. Moreover, injuries and breakdowns are all too common; one study found that “at least three thoroughbreds die every day in North America as the result of catastrophic injury or sudden death during a race.”
As a result of this growing awareness of horse racing’s darker side, many people are beginning to turn away from the sport, with a drop in attendance at race tracks and in betting. In addition, PETA has launched a series of investigations into abusive training methods for young horses, drug use on the track, and the transport of American horses to foreign slaughterhouses.
In a horse race, the horses are forced to run as fast as they can, and this is done by using whips. However, most horses do not enjoy running fast, and some actually need to be encouraged to keep going, as they are very easily fatigued. Injuries are common in racing, and many of them are fatal; a 2013 study found that 184 jockeys were injured in 360 reported falls during California races. The injuries can be caused by a variety of factors, including bad riding, a fall from the horse, or other causes.
Some people have started to compare the horse race to the political arena, in which both candidates are often compared by their supporters and detractors, and where mudslinging, name calling, attack ads, and theatrics can obscure the real issues at stake. This criticism, which has been called the ‘horse race’ analogy, is an attempt to make it easier for people to see through the noise of politics and understand the important distinctions between candidates and parties.
The terms horse race and horsehorse race are synonyms, but the former is more commonly used in the United States. Both words are also sometimes confused with horse race (drinking game), which is a drinking game.