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A horse race is a sport where people wager money on the outcome of a competition involving horses. The earliest recorded horse races were held in Asia and Africa thousands of years ago, but modern racing dates to the 1870s.
Horses race by pulling themselves forward using their powerful hindquarters, while their jockeys guide them with their hands and a whip. The goal of the race is to reach the finish line first, or win the highest amount of money. The race is a dangerous event for both the horses and humans. Horses are subject to a high rate of injury and death due to the speed and the close proximity of other competing horses.
In a typical Thoroughbred race, there are fifteen or more horses in the field. Among these are the favorites, who are usually considered the best horses in the race. These horses are favored to win the race because of their past performance, including previous wins and losses. Other factors may also influence a horse’s chances of winning, such as its current form, training and weight.
Before a race, bettors look at the horses’ coats in the walking ring to see if they are bright and rippling. If a horse’s coat looks bright, it is believed to be ready to run and has a good chance of winning. If a horse’s coat appears dull or duller than normal, it is not believed to be ready to run and has fewer chances of winning.
After a horse finishes a race, the judge posts the order of finish for the winner and other places. A horse’s placement is important because it determines the amount of money it will receive from the pari-mutuel. A horse must be in the top four or five to receive any prize at all. A horse in a lower position will get no prize, but can earn a place bet by finishing behind the leaders.
There are several types of horse races, but one of the most famous is the Triple Crown series, consisting of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes. Each of these races is open to horses three years old or older. However, due to escalating racing purses, breeding fees and sale prices, the average age of racehorses is increasing, and most races now are run with horses who are five years or older.
Some experts believe that the increased age of racehorses is responsible for their decline in popularity and betting activity. In addition, the public has been turned off by the numerous scandals surrounding horse racing, including drug abuse and safety issues. As a result, many potential new would-be fans are turning away from the sport. Nevertheless, the sport continues to survive. Despite these problems, horse racing has some positive aspects. Its customers are generally loyal, and it is not uncommon to see elderly patrons at the track. The sport also draws on the large and diverse American population.
