A horse race is a sport involving horses that compete in an arena with a track. The goal is for a rider to mount a horse and direct it over the course of a race, jumping hurdles (if present) and crossing the finish line in first place. The competition is typically organized by a national racing association, and races may be run on dirt or synthetic surfaces. Prize money is awarded to the first several horses that cross the finish line.

The sport of horse racing has a long history and has been a popular diversion for wealthy people and nobles throughout the world. It has a reputation for promoting gambling and has been linked to corruption in many places. In addition, horse races are often accompanied by pomp and ceremony that can make the sport seem inherently decadent and exploitative.

Horse races involve the use of Thoroughbred racehorses. These are specially trained and bred horses that have been developed for speed and agility. They are usually ridden by jockeys. The sport has a number of rules to protect the health and welfare of horses. For example, it is illegal for a jockey to strike or kick his or her horse, and a trainer is required to keep the horse in good condition. The horses are also not allowed to be given drugs that enhance performance, and it is a crime for a jockey to use illegal drugs during a race.

In the past, horse races were match contests between two or three horses. However, public demand produced events that included larger fields of runners. Eligibility rules were developed to establish standards based on age, sex, birthplace, and previous racing history. Races were also created in which owners were the riders, and races that were restricted to towns or counties.

There is no consensus on the exact origin of horse racing. But it is believed that both four-hitch chariot and mounted bareback races were held at the Olympic Games in Greece between 700 and 40 B.C. Afterwards, horse racing became popular in other ancient civilizations, including China, Persia, and Arabia.

The modern sport has a wide range of betting opportunities, and it is possible for bettors to make very large sums of money by placing wagers on individual horses. Some bets are placed by telephone or online, while others can be placed in person at the track. The odds of a particular horse winning a race are determined by the oddsmakers, and these odds are published daily in newspapers and magazines.

While horse races are exciting to watch, they can be stressful for the horses. They must endure a great deal of physical stress and often have to start their training at very young ages. This can damage their bones and joints. Injured horses are often forced to compete despite medical advice and are frequently exposed to the dangerous practice of performance-enhancing drugs. As a result, the racing industry is becoming more and more unethical.