A horse race is a contest of speed among horses that are either ridden by jockeys or pulled by sulkies and their drivers. The sport is a popular one and is enjoyed in many different countries. It is also a lucrative one, especially if the longshot you bet on wins. However, there is a lot of risk involved in betting on horses. It is important to know the rules of the game before you start betting.
The history of organized horse racing began sometime before 1000 B.C.E. It is believed to have evolved from the four-hitch chariot and mounted (bareback) races that were held during the Olympic Games of Greece in 700-40 b.c.e. The Greeks were the first to create a formal competition of horse racing and it was later adopted by the Romans and other ancient cultures.
Horses are bred for their athleticism and endurance, and the sport of racing demands both. A good trainer is able to balance these qualities in his horses. The horses that are able to race against each other with the most speed and stamina are often rewarded financially. However, there are a lot of factors that go into the winning formula. It is important to consider the race track, weather conditions, and other horse in the field when making your betting decisions.
During the early years of organized American horse racing, the hallmark of excellence was stamina, not speed. However, after the Civil War, speed became the focus of the sport. Today, thoroughbreds are bred to run fast and win races.
The horse races are divided into several classes based on the level of skill and experience required to compete in them. For example, a race for beginners is usually only open to horses that have never won an allowance or claiming race. The higher the class number, the more difficult it is to qualify for a particular race.
Before a horse can be entered in a race, it must be evaluated by a veterinarian. This is done to make sure that the horse has the ability to compete in the race and will not be harmed during it. In addition, the veterinarian will evaluate the horse for soundness and other physical issues that may affect its performance.
After the evaluation, a horse will be assigned a handicapper who will determine its chances of winning the race. The handicapper will then compare the horse to other runners in the race and decide which one is the best value for the bettors. The handicapper will then make a recommendation to the stewards on which horse should be declared the winner.
Most horse owners and trainers have specific races they want their horses to compete in. The plans can change in a heartbeat though when a race does not fill or an extra race is added. This can be frustrating for the owners and trainers who have made travel plans and other arrangements in anticipation of their horses running on a certain day.