A horse race is a competition between two or more horses. The riders must cross the finish line on their horses to win. Some races are flat while others are jump races. In both cases, the start of the race must be started from a starting gate.
Horse races have been recorded from the Greek Olympic Games, around 700 to 40 B.C., and have spread to the Middle East and North Africa. Eventually, they reached Europe, the United States, Australia, Japan and South Africa. Most of the traditions and rules of racing remain in place, but the race itself has changed greatly in recent years.
One of the most significant changes has been the addition of a safety measure. Before a race, the horse must be screened for pre-existing conditions. There are now thermal imaging cameras, X-rays and endoscopes, which allow veterinarians to detect minor health problems before they worsen. Racing has also been influenced by the development of 3D printing, which can produce casts and splints for injured horses.
In the 19th century, private bets became a legal form of off-track betting. These parlors proliferated in the United States and in New York City and other large metropolitan areas. As the sport spread, governments entered the wagering business. They regulated the races and set eligibility rules based on the sex of the horses, the age of the horses and their previous performances.
Another important change occurred in the middle of the 19th century, when the Jersey Act was passed. This acted to protect British Thoroughbreds from North American sprinting blood. Horses bred outside of England were excluded from races.
After the Civil War, speed became the goal. A race could last only four or five miles, requiring the winning horse to finish in two heats. Handicaps were assigned to provide all horses with an equal chance of winning.
During the reign of Louis XIV, gambling was prevalent. Racing was governed by gambling laws and was often based on a system called “exciting substances.” Moreover, races were restricted to townships and counties. The penalties for breaking the rules were minimal.
By the 1860s, the racetracks of the colonies, such as Newmarket and Suffolk, had become more organized and were offering a silver cup to the best horse. However, a stable lad, Daniel Dawson, was accused of poisoning a horse in Newmarket Heath. He was hanged there in 1812.
When the Jersey Act was repealed in 1949, racing in the colonies was governed by a new rulebook, which was based on the rules of the British Horseracing Authority. Several races, such as the King’s Plates, were standardized. The original King’s Plates were races for six-year-old horses carrying 168 pounds at 4-mile heats.
Many of the best jockeys are British. Jockeys are usually put on the best horses. Although they may be hired by the owners, the jockeys are considered to be of little importance.
One of the most prestigious races in the world is the Kentucky Derby, a classic race that has been held every year since 1875. Almost all thoroughbreds in the United States receive race-day Lasix, which is a diuretic that causes them to release huge amounts of urine.