A horse race is a competition in which horses, under the control of jockeys, run around a race track. The race may require the horses to jump hurdles or fences. There is a prize money for the first few horses to cross the finish line after all of the competitors have completed the course. The race is one of the oldest sports, having evolved from a primitive contest of speed and endurance into a spectacular public entertainment industry that contributes billions to the economy each year.

There are two primary types of horse races. Flat racing is a simple race where horses compete over a straight track, while jump races feature obstacles such as fences and hurdles. The latter is often known as National Hunt racing in the United Kingdom.

The earliest known organized horse races were chariot and mounted (bareback) events in ancient Greece over the period 700-40 bce. Such races also occurred in the Olympic Games. In the 16th century, Thoroughbred racing became popular among Britain’s aristocracy and was referred to as the “Sport of Kings.”

Although modern thoroughbreds are trained to withstand extreme speed and endurance, the sport still relies heavily on the ability of riders to steer them. This requires expert horsemanship and the use of a whip, a device used to spur the horses on to greater speed and endurance.

While modern racetracks are equipped with state-of-the-art electronic monitoring systems and massive sums of money are at stake, the fundamental principles of horse racing remain unchanged. A few yards gained in the final sprint of a race can mean victory or defeat, and it is the rider’s skill and judgment that determines which horses will be at the front of the pack.

In addition to the physical demands of the sport, there are social and ethical issues associated with racing. Many people feel that the sport is too cruel to humans and animals. Animal rights activists have campaigned against abusive training practices, drug use in horse racing, and the transport of horses to slaughter. These campaigns have helped to increase awareness of the need for reform.

A succession horse race is a method of selecting a company’s next chief executive officer. The concept is based on the idea that top performers are competing for a limited number of positions and the best candidates are the fastest to complete a series of challenges, including a formal interview with other senior leaders. The approach has proved effective at a number of large companies, including General Electric, Procter & Gamble, and GlaxoSmithKline. However, this approach can be disruptive to a company and should be carefully considered when it is being implemented.