The horse race is a long-standing tradition that has entranced spectators for centuries. While the aristocrats of Europe would race their horses to win wagers, modern races are often held in arenas with thousands of seats and offer top prize money. However, while horse racing has a rich and colorful history, it also has a dark side. Behind the romanticized facade of Thoroughbred horse races is a world of injuries, drug abuse, gruesome breakdowns, and slaughter.

Despite being bred for speed, horses used for racing have weak bones and are forced to sprint at speeds far beyond their natural abilities. This can lead to debilitating conditions like bleeding lungs and ringbone fractures. They may even die from heart attacks and other debilitating ailments, such as a severed spine or gastrointestinal ulcers. In some cases, horses are even euthanized or slaughtered for their flesh. This is the cost of a multimillion-dollar industry that treats its sensitive athletes as disposable commodities.

In addition to causing physical injury, the drug sedatives that are administered to horses before and during races can also have serious psychological effects. The drugs can cause the animals to become lethargic and less responsive, which can affect their ability to learn. Additionally, they can cause the animals to have nightmares and arousal disorders that can be detrimental to their mental health.

For example, a sedative can make a horse forget its name and develop a fear of its handlers. This can lead to behavioral problems, such as avoiding its handlers or biting at them. This is why it is important to only use sedatives that are approved by a veterinarian.

While a number of races can be run on flat surfaces, most horse races are contested over obstacles over a course of miles. These courses vary in size and difficulty, with some of the most prestigious events occurring at tracks around the world, including the Epsom Derby, Breeders’ Cup, Dubai World Cup, and Pegasus World Cup.

Some of the most popular events for horses are jumps races, in which the horses must hurdle or clear obstacles over a distance. These races are typically more difficult for the horses, as they must overcome much larger obstacles than those on a flat racetrack. The sport of jumps racing started in the 1700s in Britain and France, with the British government imposing rules to regulate the game. Those rules included establishing standardized races, such as the King’s Plates, which required six-year-old horses to carry 168 pounds in four-mile heats, and placing restrictions on female horses competing against males. A variety of other rules was introduced, including limiting the number of races a horse could participate in and requiring owners to pay taxes on winnings. The rules also established the practice of assigning a different weight to each horse for fairness. This is known as handicap racing.