A horse race is a competition between two or more horses, usually over a flat course on which the horses are required to sprint. The horses are jockeyed, ridden by professionals who must use their skill and judgment to coax every bit of speed out of the animals while also preventing them from falling or becoming injured. The sport of horse racing has long been considered an art form, and there are a number of different types of races that take place around the world. Some are regarded as the most important events in the sport, including the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes, which make up the American Triple Crown series. Other famous races include the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in France, the Melbourne Cup in Australia, and the Gran Premio Internacional Carlos Pellegrini in Argentina.

In a horse race, each participant pays a sum of money before the race begins, known as a purse. The winner of a race takes the entire purse, which is typically much greater than the amount that participants risked, and is therefore considered to be a profitable venture. Originally, horse racing was a game of chance, but as the sport developed, rules were established to ensure that fairness and integrity were maintained. These rules included limiting the size of fields, restricting eligibility based on age, sex, and birthplace, and instituting restrictions on the use of whips.

Despite the romanticized facade of horse racing, it is a brutal sport that requires horses to be forced to sprint—often under the threat of whips and illegal electric-shocking devices—at speeds that can cause injuries and even hemorrhage from the lungs. It is no wonder, then, that thousands of horses die each year in training or during a race. The fact that horse racing continues to thrive despite this is a testament to the strength and persistence of its supporters, who tirelessly network, fundraise, and fight to keep the sport alive.

The majority of horses that run in the United States are thoroughbreds, which are bred to be fast and agile. These horses are used in a variety of races, from short sprints to longer distances called routes (in the United States) or staying races in Europe. The latter require the utmost in stamina and are often considered to be the most difficult races to win, as the horses must be able to maintain their high speeds over long distances.

There are several major problems with horse racing in the United States, but the most significant is that the industry has no comprehensive system for tracking or regulating what happens to horses once they leave the track. As a result, many horses are forced to be sold into uncertain futures, with no safety net for the ones who can no longer be profitable for the industry. This is the exact opposite of the way that other sports leagues operate, and it must change for the sake of horse welfare.