A horse race is a competition in which horses are ridden by jockeys to finish the fastest. The first three finishers are awarded a sum of prize money. The sport of horse racing has been around for centuries, and has evolved into a global industry. Its popularity has been fueled by the allure of large prize money and the power and beauty of the horse. In recent years, however, concerns about animal welfare and doping have become prevalent in the sport. The industry is in need of reform to ensure the safety of both horses and humans.

A Thoroughbred horse is the most commonly used breed in horse races. These horses are specially bred for speed and agility, and are trained by professional trainers. The training is often intense and can cause stress to the animals. This can lead to injuries, which must be treated and repaired quickly. Injured horses are often forced to compete despite medical advice, which can lead to further injury and untimely death. Some trainers also use illegal substances to enhance performance, which can mask pain and help the animals compete. Random drug testing is used in many races, but it is not enough to stop the use of illegal drugs.

The sport of horse racing has a long and rich history, with the first recorded race occurring in 1651. The sport became a popular form of entertainment for the wealthy in Europe and North America, with Louis XIV (reigned 1643-1715) organizing a race club and establishing rules of racing by royal decree. These rules included requiring certificates of origin for horses and imposing extra weight on foreign horses.

Horse races can be held on flat or jump courses. Flat races are typically short sprints, while longer races are known as routes in the United States and as staying races in Europe. Jump courses usually feature a combination of fences, ditches and open country that test the horse’s stamina and jumping ability.

A major feature of horse racing is the use of the whip, which is a long pole that is held by the rider to encourage the horse to move faster. The use of the whip is controversial, as it can cause injury to the horse and cause it to lose control. Some riders use only a hand ride, which means they do not whip the horse at all.

The sport has also been the subject of many movies, including “A Day at the Races” (1937), “The Black Stallion” (1979) and “Dreamer” (2005). Fans of the sport usually cheer a particular horse, such as Seabiscuit, who captured the hearts and minds of countless bettors. However, some fans prefer to root for a number, and may even name their horse. This practice has been criticized as an unfair way to judge the success of a horse.