A horse race is a sport that involves horse and rider competing against each other to finish first in an organized and timed event. It is popular in Europe, Australia and Asia. It is also known as a turf race because it takes place on a grass racing surface. There are many different betting strategies available to participants including accumulator bets. The total amount of money awarded to the winner and other entrants after the event is called the purse.

The history of horse racing is rich and varied. It has roots in the ancient Greek Olympic games, which featured horse races between two-wheeled chariots and four-hitched horses. It became a formalized competition in 664 B.C.E at the thirty-third Olympiad. It later spread to other cultures around the world and evolved into the modern version of the sport.

Despite its popularity, the sport has its risks and drawbacks. Injuries to the horses are common and can range from minor to fatal. A broken leg is an obvious but serious injury, but there are other injuries that can also be life-threatening. One common type of injury is a pulled suspensory ligament, which causes a loss of support for the distal limb. Other common injuries include fetlock fractures, lacerations and hock problems.

Some of the most devastating injuries come from the physical stress that racehorses are under. As a result, horseracing is often referred to as a cruel and inhumane sport. Some experts believe that this is because horses are forced to run long distances over a variety of different surfaces and under the pressure of an audience. These circumstances can make them more susceptible to stress and a number of other issues, such as crib-biting and weaving, which are stereotypical behaviours that can result from frustration, fatigue and the inhibition of natural behaviour.

Another risk of the sport is its reliance on gambling and illegal betting. This makes the sport vulnerable to criminal activity and corruption. In addition, the practice of breeding racehorses for profit can cause them to suffer from health problems. This can also be dangerous for spectators, who are often trampled by the racehorses and other spectators.

A horse race can be a fun and exciting event for those who attend. Spectators can bet on which horse will finish first, second or third and can also place accumulator bets in which multiple bets are placed at different times. This can be very profitable for those who are able to predict the outcome of the race.

When journalists focus on who is winning or losing in an election, rather than the policy issues involved, it is called horse race coverage. This type of coverage has been criticized by scholars for its lack of context and skewed focus on the winners. This approach can harm voters, candidates and the media itself. However, some researchers are arguing that there is a place for this type of coverage when it is done in a responsible manner.