Horse races are a sport and an entertainment event that requires both human skill and athletic discipline. There are different types of horse racing that involve speed, endurance and jumping. Each type of race has its own unique rules and characteristics. Some have special track surfaces such as dirt, turf, tapeta and Polytrack. There are also some races that have special requirements such as height, weight and age limits for horses.

Horseracing was first organized as a competitive sport in ancient Greece. Later, the sport was spread throughout Europe and North America by colonizers. Today, horse races are held all over the world. Depending on the country, different horse races have their own unique rules and regulations. However, the basic rules are the same across the board. For example, a jockey must ride in a safe manner while following the course and jumping any hurdles (if there are any). The winner is declared by judging whether the horse crossed the finish line first or not. In the case of a tie, a dead heat will be declared.

The prestigious Kentucky Derby has one of the largest prize funds in horse racing. It attracts top Thoroughbred horses from around the world and is a high-profile event with heavy luxury brand sponsorships. However, the Derby is just a small part of the industry’s exploitative dimension. Behind the glamour and spectacle of horseracing lies a world of injuries, drug abuse, and gruesome breakdowns.

In the interviews, animal advocacy informants discussed the psychological and physical abuse that horses experience during race preparations and at the races themselves. They spoke of horses being “pulled” and “dragged on the bit with a lead rein or rope by helmeted people.” They talked about how this contributed to the horse’s already high stress levels.

During a race, a veterinarian checks the horse’s health and fitness before allowing it to participate. A trainer may then prepare the horse to trot or pace, or it might be trained to gallop. The horse must then start the race by lining up with other horses in front of a hinged gate attached to a motor vehicle that leads it to the starting line. If the horse breaks its gait, it could be disqualified.

During the race, stewards monitor horse and rider performance. If the stewards observe a serious problem, they will stop the race and notify the public. In the case of a photo finish, a judge studies a photograph of the horse’s final strides to determine which one finished first. In the case of a tie, the decision will be made according to dead heat rules. In order to prevent injury, horse handlers use cocktails of legal and illegal drugs to mask pain, increase performance and boost stamina. These drugs can have serious side effects, including pulmonary hemorrhage.