The horse race is an equestrian sport in which horses are competed against each other in a pursuit over a distance on a racetrack. The horse race is one of the oldest sports in human history and was practiced in many ancient civilizations, such as ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Modern horse racing is popular in several countries around the world and has been called the ‘Sport of Kings’.
A number of different types of horse races are held, with the most common being flat and jump racing. The former involves horses competing around a straight or oval track unhindered by hurdles or fences while the latter features horses competing around a course which includes jumping over hurdles (known as National Hunt in the UK).
While knowledge of the first organized horse race is largely lost, chariot and mounted racing were popular spectator sports in prehistory. In the early centuries of recorded history, racing was widely available in the European empires and the Roman Republic, with a variety of betting opportunities. The earliest written records are of match races, with the owners providing the horse and paying a stake to bet on the outcome. Winners were usually rewarded with some money, and the agreements for these matches were recorded by disinterested third parties. These became the keepers of match books, and their compilations eventually led to a single record book known as the Racing Calendar.
All flat races must be started from a starting stall, while steeplechases and hurdle races may be started from gate or flag (provided special permission is granted). In either case, all riders must ride the horse in accordance with the rules and regulations of the race, and ensure that the horse reaches over the finish line before any other horse. Disqualification and further sanctions are possible if, in the opinion of the stewards, these requirements have not been met.
A jockey is a professional equestrian rider who sits on top of the horse and uses his whip to encourage the animal to run faster. Riders must also wear a helmet and, depending on the rules of the race, can only use the whip for a limited amount of time.
The Kentucky Derby is a major horse race that takes place each year at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. It is the first of three races in the American Triple Crown and is regarded as the most important race for two-year-old Thoroughbreds in the United States. The winner of the race receives a hefty prize purse, and it is one of the most popular sporting events in the world. The runner-up is given the title of the Preakness Stakes and the winner of the Belmont Stakes is awarded the Triple Crown. In addition, there are a number of other awards that can be won at the various races throughout the year. These include the best-dressed horse, which recognises a horse’s presentation and condition. The horse race is a popular event all over the world and can be enjoyed by spectators in person or on television.