A horse race is a contest of speed between horses that are either ridden by jockeys or pulled by sulkies and drivers. The race is governed by a set of rules that are designed to ensure fairness and safety.
There are many different types of horse races, including individual flat races, steeplechases, and jumping events. The race’s format and rules determine how much money is paid out to winners, runners-up, and other place finishers. In addition, the race may require a certain number of turns or use a specific surface such as dirt or grass.
In the United States, there are many horse races that take place throughout the country. The most famous of these is the Kentucky Derby, which is held in Louisville each May. The Preakness Stakes is another important American horse race, held in Baltimore each April. These horse races attract the attention of millions of people and have become an important part of American culture.
Horse racing has a long and distinguished history and has been practiced in many civilizations across the globe, including Ancient Greece, Rome, Babylon, Syria, Egypt, Arabia, and China. It has also played an important role in myth and legend, such as the competition between the steeds of Odin and Hrungnir in Norse mythology.
The horse races that are held on racetracks are often dangerous and cruel. One study found that, on average, one horse in every 22 races suffered an injury that prevented it from finishing the race. Other injuries include shattered legs, severed spines, broken necks, and ruptured ligaments. Injured horses are often put down immediately after the race.
These conditions are the result of a system that rewards the winning owners with a large portion of the total monetary amount wagered on a race. This is known as a parimutuel system. The other bettors are given their money back, plus a small percentage profit for the track. Despite these incentives, horse racing has never been able to establish an adequately funded industry-sponsored wraparound aftercare solution for all ex-racehorses.
A growing body of research suggests that when journalists covering elections focus primarily on who is ahead or behind in the race – what’s known as “horse race coverage” – voters, candidates, and the news industry suffer. This updated roundup of research explores some of the many ways that horse race coverage harms democracy.