A horse race is a competition between two or more horses in which bettors place wagers on the outcome of the race. It is a sport steeped in history and tradition, with events like the Kentucky Derby and Royal Ascot drawing millions of spectators worldwide. It is also a sport that continues to evolve, with modern technology and advances in animal welfare helping to shape the future of the game.

The history of organized horse races dates back to the chariot races of ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. They were not only a test of speed, but of the rider’s ability to maneuver and steer. As equestrian culture spread throughout the world, races took on many different forms, from ceremonial pageantry to time-honored traditions.

Horse races are generally divided into three types: flat, jump, and steeplechase. Flat races are typically run over distances from 440 yards (400 m) to over four miles (6 km), with the majority being held at five and twelve furlongs (1,200 and 2.4 km). The shorter distances are known as sprints, while the longer races are referred to as routes in the United States or staying races in Europe. Shorter races require fast acceleration, while the longer ones are a test of stamina.

In addition to the horses, another important component of a horse race is the track on which it takes place. The surface of the track should be soft enough to allow for quick acceleration but firm enough to provide traction. It should also be safe and well maintained, with no debris or sharp rocks that could cause injury to the horses. The course must be clearly marked and fenced, with fences at least 10 feet (3.0 m) high, to prevent stray horses from running into or over other horses or spectators.

The most prestigious horse races are called stakes races, and they are the pinnacle of the sport’s competitive spirit, prestige, and tradition. They captivate audiences around the world and showcase the talent of equine athletes and the dedication of trainers, jockeys, and owners.

In the early days of horse racing, bets were placed on individual match races between two or at most three horses. An owner who withdrew from a race commonly forfeited half or in some cases the entire purse. The matches were recorded by disinterested third parties, who came to be called keepers of the match books. One such keeper, John Cheny of Newmarket in England, began publishing An Historical List of All the Horse-Matches Run (1729). He was followed by James Weatherby, who published his Racing Calendar in 1773. The names of the winners were not at first recorded, although if the race was run at the prevailing high stakes, it was likely that the winner received a substantial sum as a prize. In later years, the names of winning trainers and riders were also recorded.