Horse racing is a global sport and industry. It is a form of gambling, with stakes set according to the size and quality of a race. In the United States, horse races are typically governed by state racing commissions, with oversight from the federal Jockey Club. It is also a multibillion-dollar industry that generates more revenue than many other sports and is second only to gambling as the most popular spectator activity. The sport is regulated by laws and policies that vary widely by country.
Modern horse racing evolved as a result of the development of large, fast and well-bred horses. Until then, most races were run on village streets and lanes, with only two or three horses competing in each event. As the breed improved, the races grew longer and more competitive. By the mid-1700s, the sport had become a well-established, regulated industry.
The modern game of horse racing features a wide range of rules, traditions, and culture. There are different types of races, including handicap races, which assign a fixed amount of weight to each competitor based on the size of the race, age, and other factors. There are also sprint races, which are shorter but require more speed. In addition, there are turf races, which are run on dirt tracks.
During the race, a team of people is responsible for running and maintaining the track. This includes the race director, veterinarians, and stewards. The stewards are responsible for ensuring the safety of the horses and the integrity of the race. They also help to settle disputes and are aided by a patrol judge who watches the race from a designated location. The stewards and patrol judges are looking for any rule violations or suspicious actions. They also look at the finish to make sure that all of the horses have crossed the line in the correct order.
As a sport, horse racing is characterized by an inherently dangerous nature for horses. It places exorbitant physical demands on them and often results in traumatic injuries and deaths. This is especially true for young and developing horses, which are more susceptible to injury and illness. The deaths of Eight Belles and Medina Spirit, both of whom died as a result of the exorbitant stress of running, led to calls for reform in horse racing.
While some improvements have been made in horse racing, the problems remain. The most prominent issues include the use of medication and sedatives in training and the injection of horses with corticosteroids to prevent painful limb injuries. The medical and drug records of Havnameltdown, which were released postmortem, also raise serious questions.
Unlike most sports, horse racing does not have a lifelong tracking system for the horses it creates and profits off of. The industry can create and sell horses endlessly, then lose sight of them as they move into the world of breeding. This is a major detriment to the horses and is part of the reason why horseracing’s image remains so toxic.