Horse races are competitions between two horses that test speed or stamina to see who crosses the finish line first, usually as spectator sport with huge crowds and immense sums of money involved. Their basic concept has changed little over centuries; modern races now include multiple runners as well as sophisticated electronic monitoring equipment; this sport once provided major public entertainment, but its popularity has fallen in recent years.
Horse racing has long been an ancient pastime of civilizations across many civilisations, dating back to Ancient Greece, Babylon, Syria and Egypt. Archaeological evidence demonstrates this pastime was popular across cultures including Ancient Greece, Babylon, Syria and Egypt as well as forming part of myth and legend, such as Odin’s battle between Hrungnir and Odin’s steed in Norse mythology. Modern horse races typically use dirt or sandy tracks on which thoroughbred horses (horses bred for speed) typically participate.
Modern organized racing in North America first began during the British occupation of New York City in 1664, when Colonel Richard Nicolls designed and opened up a 2-mile course in Upper New York State to offer a silver cup to the best horse each spring and fall season. While stamina initially was prioritized over speed until after the American Civil War when speed became more prominent; notable nineteenth century thoroughbreds like Seabiscuit and Man o’ War were among their number.
Horse racing, while widely enjoyed for entertainment purposes, is also an industry worth billions that’s plagued by drug abuse, injuries and fraud. Furthermore, horses are subjected to cruel training practices that often cause physical and psychological harm; according to one study one out of every 22 Thoroughbreds are injured during races and three Thoroughbreds die daily from catastrophic injuries sustained while racing – making horse racing one of the deadliest forms of entertainment there is.
Horse racing remains an economic and social activity in both the US and globally, generating $26 billion in revenues between 2004 and 2011. Horse racing also serves as an enjoyable leisure activity in countries like Australia, Britain, and Canada.
At horse races, jockey skill and judgment play an integral part in determining the winner of each race. Riders who can coax a few extra yards out of their mount often reign supreme; great riders also utilize their weight strategically by positioning horses both early on and at the finish.
Age, health and training all affect a horse’s performance to its peak level. Unfortunately, some racehorses don’t earn enough from racing to cover variable costs like vet bills and training expenses, leading them down the track into slaughterhouses where they end up as glue or pet food products – hence why many retirees end up as glue or food product suppliers instead. “Horse race” can also refer to an election or close competition involving several candidates competing against one another – hence its political useage as well.