Horse racing is one of the oldest sports in recorded history. It has evolved from a primitive contest of speed or stamina between two horses to a modern spectacle with large fields of runners and sophisticated electronic monitoring equipment. But the basic concept has never changed: The horse that finishes first is the winner.

Races are contested over distances of various lengths and on a variety of terrain. In the United States, most races are run over dirt or grass courses. The sport of horse racing is regulated in most nations by state laws. In England, the Jockey Club serves as a national governing body for long-term policy. In the United States, horse racing is regulated by 50 state racing commissions and a federally mandated agency called the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority.

Whether you love the thrill of betting on your favorite horse or are simply fascinated by the enduring appeal and tradition of this ancient game, there is no denying that horse racing has an extraordinary impact in our culture and history. Horse races are the most popular spectator sport in the world, and are a significant source of entertainment for millions of people.

The most common type of horse race is a handicapped race, in which the winning bet is determined by the total amount wagered on all horses competing in the race. The weights of the horses are determined by a scale of fixed amounts per length of race, as well as by age, sex, and time of year.

In a handicapped race, bettors place wagers on the horses they believe will win based on their past performance and current form. A race official, known as a steward, oversees the race. Before the race begins, the steward checks the horses and determines whether they meet the required specifications for that particular race.

As the race progresses, a number of officials are present to monitor for violations of racing rules. The stewards and patrol judges, assisted by a horse-mounted police force, watch for any riders who may be riding outside of the track’s designated fences. The finish is also monitored to ensure that the final results are accurate.

Injuries are common among racehorses, and even the most successful horses can suffer from serious problems while attempting to perform at their peak. The deaths of Eight Belles and Medina Spirit, both three-year-old fillies, have sparked a public reckoning with the equine welfare issues facing this centuries-old industry. Despite these setbacks, many race fans continue to support the sport as a whole. However, they must be careful not to confuse the acclaim for which horse racing has become renowned with the reality of its profoundly inhumane practices.