A race where horses are ridden by jockeys and run around a track. Each horse is identified by a flag draped over the rein in its owners’ colours. The first to cross the finish line wins.
In the United States, horse races are regulated by state laws and governed by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, an organization that oversees the integrity of the sport. Horse races are a popular form of entertainment and can generate large amounts of revenue for their host tracks. In addition to ticket sales, racing revenues come from merchandise purchases, licensing for television or simulcasting, sponsorships and gambling.
Horse racing is a spectator sport and a multibillion-dollar industry. The sport attracts millions of fans to the track each year, and betting on a winning horse can result in a financial windfall for bettors. Despite the popularity of horse racing, it is important for bettors to understand the risks and rewards of placing a bet.
While the speed and beauty of the horses is undeniable, it is not the only draw to a horse race. Many people also enjoy the social aspects of a horse race, and it is not uncommon for spectators to attend races with a significant level of fashion in their attire. In particular, elite events such as the Kentucky Derby and Royal Ascot are known for their dress codes and strict etiquette.
The horses that are used for racing are bred to be fast and fit. In the 1600’s hot-blooded, desert-bred horses were shipped to England and crossed with native cold-blooded horses to create the breed that is now referred to as a race horse. These horses have an innate desire to run and race, but they are also prey animals with a very high mortality rate. Consequently, they are often pushed beyond their limits and may suffer from a variety of serious injuries including pulmonary hemorrhage (bleeding in the lungs) and blunt-force trauma such as fractured skulls, twisted spines, ruptured ligaments and ripped limbs.
While some critics argue that the cruelty inherent in the racing industry is a reason to ban the sport, others point to new innovations in the sport and increasing public interest in horse-racing as signs of potential growth. In addition, modern facilities are designed to better protect the health of the animals and improve veterinary care. Ultimately, the industry hopes to reduce public perception of the sport and avoid a backlash that could hamper its future. As of 2023, the horse racing industry generated $36 billion in revenue for the United States, supporting more than half a million jobs. A horse-racing pool is a type of sports pool that pays out if the selected runner(s) win a race. A pool can be won by selecting the correct runner(s) or by correctly predicting the order of finish of a race. If no one selects a winner for a specific race, the leftover funds are carried over to the next race.