Horse racing is a sport in which horses, guided by jockeys, compete against one another over a measured distance on a race track. Competing horses are often required to jump hurdles or fences during a race, and the winner of the race is determined by the first horse to cross the finish line. The sport of horse racing has a long history and is popular throughout the world.

Horse races can be dangerous for both the horses and their riders, known as jockeys. The high speed at which the horses run exposes them to a variety of risks, including falls and injuries. Additionally, many horses are raced before they are fully mature, which can cause developmental problems. Jockeys are also subject to serious injuries, such as cracked leg bones and broken hooves.

The first organized horse races were held during the Olympic Games in Greece between 700-40 bce. The sport spread to other ancient civilizations, including China, Persia, and Arabia. Despite its popularity, the sport has its critics. Some believe that it promotes animal cruelty and neglects the well-being of the horses used for racing. While other spectators show off their fancy outfits and sip mint juleps, the animals are forced to sprint at speeds that can lead to injuries and even hemorrhage from the lungs.

In modern times, horse races are primarily conducted on Thoroughbred tracks throughout the world. These races are typically open to horses of a specific breed and require the approval of stud books. The breeding process is important for the success of a horse, as it determines their strength, endurance, and speed. The most successful horses are often able to carry a maximum weight of around 1400 pounds.

Betting on horse races has long been a popular pastime among spectators and has expanded into an industry in its own right. In the early days of horse racing, bets were placed privately between individuals. However, betting was eventually centralized in the 19th century with pari-mutuel systems, in which winning bettors receive all of the money wagered on them minus a percentage for the track management.

In order to win a horse race, a horse and jockey must cross the finish line before all other competitors. If two horses finish at the same time, a photo finish is performed to determine the winner. The stewards will carefully examine the photo to see which horse broke the plane of the finish line first. If they cannot decide, the race is declared a dead heat and both horses are awarded a sum of prize money.