Horse racing is a form of sports wagering in which bettors place bets on the winner of a race. The sport has a rich history that dates back to ancient times and is practiced worldwide in various cultures. A race is a competition for a prize between competing horses and their jockeys, with the goal of reaching the finish line first. This competition can take place on flat or specialized surface types, and may involve jumping or other obstacles. There are a number of different race types, and some races are classified by their level of prestige and prize money.

Horses are capable of achieving remarkable speeds, largely because of their genetic makeup. Thoroughbreds, for example, have more Type II-a muscle fibers than other breeds, which allow them to work longer without using up their supply of oxygen and thus sustain speed for a distance. Combined with their sleek bodies, these characteristics make them ideal for horse racing. The sport has been around for thousands of years, and archaeological records show that it was a common activity in ancient civilizations such as those of Greece, Egypt, Babylon, Syria, and Arabia. The sport continues to play an important role in the lives of many people, and it is also a popular pastime among those who are not interested in betting or owning horses themselves.

The game of horse racing can be played on a variety of surfaces, including dirt, turf, and synthetic tracks. Most modern tracks are oval in shape, and some feature varying amounts of elevation change. Track conditions vary widely across the globe, with turf being more prevalent in Europe and dirt being more common in North America. Newly designed synthetic surfaces, such as Polytrack and Tapeta, are also becoming increasingly popular for use in some races.

There are several different categories of horse races, and each has its own set of rules and regulations. The most prestigious races are called stakes races, and they offer the highest level of prize money. These events are often referred to as the “major leagues” of the horse racing world, and they are dominated by top-notch horses, skilled jockeys, and fervent spectators.

Stakes races are further broken down into restricted and non-restricted classes, with the latter being referred to as graded stakes. Grade I stakes are the most prestigious, and winning one can significantly boost a horse’s status for breeding purposes.

The race course must be properly prepared and maintained, and all horses must start from a starting stall or gate. However, in emergency or special circumstances, a horse can be started with a flag, provided that the starter has granted permission and the stewards have not determined that the race has already begun. A horse must be ridden by a licensed rider. If a rider fails to follow the rules, they can be disqualified from the race.