Horse race is an event where horses are ridden by jockeys in an attempt to win the prize money. The event can take place on flat or curved racetracks, over hurdles, or over jumps. In order to qualify for a horse race, horses must be of appropriate breeds and in a fit condition. In addition, a number of different rules are required to be followed.
The first known organized races were four-hitch chariot and mounted (bareback) events in the Olympic Games of Greece over the period 700-40 bce. Racing became popular in the Roman Empire as well. The sport was then exported throughout the world.
Modern racing has a complex history. In Britain it developed from the private stud books of Arab, Turk, and Barb horses, which were mixed with native English stock to produce Thoroughbreds. By the early 17th century, a system of pedigrees was established by an act of parliament. The General Stud Book was published in 1791, and it became a standard to judge a horse’s breeding and racing qualities.
In North America, organized racing was begun with the British occupation of New Amsterdam in 1664. The colony’s commander laid out a 2-mile course on Long Island and offered silver cups to the winners. Before the Civil War, American Thoroughbreds were bred for stamina rather than speed. After the Civil War, speed overtook stamina as the key feature of a racing horse.
A horse race is a dangerous event for horses and the riders. The horses are pushed beyond their limits and many suffer from exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage, a deadly condition in which blood accumulates in the lungs. Thousands of other horses die each year from accidents, poor training conditions, and the effects of drug use.
The popularity of horse racing has been declining for a long time. This is partly due to the rise of other forms of gambling. In addition, people are increasingly concerned about the cruelty involved in the sport. For example, the Melbourne Cup Parade was cancelled this year, as a result of protests by animal rights activists. Despite the decline in interest, some races still attract large crowds.