A horse race is a contest between horses that are ridden by jockeys or pulled by sulkies and their drivers. The term is also used in a figurative sense, with reference to close forms of political competition. Mudslinging, name-calling and attack ads often make an election resemble a horse race, as the issues that really matter to voters get lost in the frenzy.
The history of horse racing dates back to at least 1000 B.C.E, when people began to harness horses to two-wheeled carts or chariots for entertainment and sport. Horses were also used to haul war chariots. Racing became a formalized sport in ancient Greece, with contestants attempting to win a purse by outrunning their opponents. In the Middle Ages, Europeans developed flat races, which are run over distances from 440 yards (400 m) to four miles (6 km). Short races are usually seen as tests of speed, while long-distance races are considered tests of stamina.
Horses are bred to be fast, and they need training in order to outrun their opponents. They also need encouragement to keep going when they are tired. The pounding of their lower legs, on concrete or dirt tracks, can strain ligaments and tendons. Jockeys, who sit on a horse’s back and steer them to victory, often wrap the lower legs of their mounts in blue bandages to reduce pain and prevent injuries. Mongolian Groom, who won the Preakness Stakes, had his lower hind leg wrapped in blue and had a shadow roll across his nose to protect him from startling shadows on the track.
In addition to pain medications, horse jockeys and trainers use a variety of drugs to help their charges perform better. Antipsychotics, anti-inflammatories, blood doping and growth hormones are all commonly used by trainers to improve the performance of their horses.
As a result, the drug issue has become a major focus of horse race coverage in the media. However, some critics argue that this kind of reporting can have negative consequences. For example, the authors of a working paper published by the Harvard Kennedy School claim that this type of reporting can lead to an uninformed electorate.
Despite the many dangers, horse races are widely viewed as being an exciting, and occasionally lucrative, form of entertainment. A reputable bookmaker or horserace betting site will offer a wide range of wagering options, including exotic bets such as parlays and accumulators. The horserace industry is heavily regulated by the state and federal governments in order to ensure the safety of participants and the integrity of the event. In addition to regulations on the types of horses that may be entered, there are also strict rules governing the handling and treatment of the animals. Spectators are prohibited from consuming alcohol or smoking at the track, and horse owners must sign a contract stating that their horses will be treated humanely. These contracts typically include a requirement that the horse be retired from racing if it has sustained an injury that can be deemed severe.