Probably the oldest form of sports, horse racing dates back centuries. It is recorded in ancient Greece and Egypt, and likely originated in the Middle East, Arabia, and China. The sport evolved into a public spectacle with large fields of runners and sophisticated electronic monitoring equipment. The sport has spread to neighboring countries and beyond, and today has become an international sport.
Although the sport is often associated with gambling, the actual wagering does not take place until the horses are in the starting gate. The wagers may be placed as single bets, or as accumulators, which consist of multiple selections. The first horse to finish is paid out, as well as all of the wagers placed on it.
The Triple Crown is the pinnacle of North American horse racing, and is made up of three races held at different distances and tracks. In order to qualify for the Triple Crown, a horse must win the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes. In addition, the winner must meet the eligibility requirements based on age, sex, and performance. Usually the races are held on the same day. The Kentucky Derby is held in Louisville, Kentucky, while the Preakness Stakes is held at Belmont Park in New York.
Graded Stakes races are at the top level, and include the best horses from across the country. They are also open to top horses from outside the United States. They are usually held at tracks that are mid-size or larger, and are the most competitive races of the year. Some of the Graded Stakes races offer significant purses. Some races are limited to female horses and others are open to all sexes.
Handicaps are used to ensure that all horses have an equal chance of winning. A horse’s handicap is determined by comparing the horse’s performance in previous races and by assessing his or her age. The handicap may be set centrally or by the track where the horse races.
The first horse to start the race is considered the lead horse. The lead horse must run to the front, remain in the lead, and then finish the race. A backmarker is a horse on the opposite side of the track and is too young or too weak to finish the race. The lead horse may be ridden by a rider or a riderless horse.
Horses are generally aged between two and five years. The classic age for a horse is three years, and fewer races are held with horses that are older than four. Some of the top races for horses over four years of age are the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in France and the Saudi Cup in Saudi Arabia.
Races can be run on natural brush fences or on an artificial surface. They can be held on wet turf, but not usually in North America. They are typically held on a track that is one mile to one-and-a-half miles long.