Horse races are an enduring form of entertainment that involve competing horses, jockeys and handlers competing against one another in an annual contest of speed and stamina. Their basic principle has remained unchanged for centuries; as a result, this global spectacle draws millions of spectators each year who place billions in bets each year. Animal welfare has recently become a prominent issue within this sport as an industry work hard to ensure their health and wellbeing during competition.

Horse racing first emerged in Ancient Greece and is believed to have evolved from primitive contests of speed or endurance between men on foot and their horses. Over the centuries, this hobby has expanded from simple pastime into an international business that involves large fields of runners with sophisticated monitoring equipment and huge sums of money at stake.

Modern racing typically occurs on a flat course that combines straight stretches and turns, featuring spectator seating areas in the center of the track. Most prestigious races typically cover distances ranging from two to six miles; these longer distances serve as tests of both speed and stamina.

Success in horse races relies heavily on the skill and talent of their rider, who must coax out of his or her mount the maximum performance from them. A skilled rider should be able to maximize a horse’s potential while minimizing injuries and fatigue risk; this requires diligent training as well as close attention paid to maintaining its health and welfare.

As they age, horses typically progress into greater obstacles and longer distances. A European jumps horse will often start in National Hunt flat races as a juvenile before moving on to hurdling and, if considered suitable, steeplechasing. Horse racing governing bodies have established minimum care and treatment standards designed to promote horse health as well as protect owners, trainers and riders.

Different countries have differing rules about how races should be run, though most of these rely on the British Horseracing Authority’s original rulebook as their basis. Some states also have their own set of regulations which may or may not reflect those established elsewhere.

In order to be considered the winner of a race, a horse must cross the finish line first in order to claim its prize money. Second and third place runners will also receive smaller amounts; any dead heats at the finish line are declared tied finishes and will share in its prize pool with all involved runners.

A race’s purse size can directly impact its popularity. A bigger purse attracts more bettors who wager, which in turn draws in higher-quality horses that provide increased odds for favored selections to win and give fans pride of ownership for their selections. Plus, more people will get paid even if their selection(s) lose!