A horse race is a competition between two or more horses run over a distance of one or more miles on a track. The most famous horse races are the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes, which draw large crowds and significant wagers. In addition to these horse races, smaller local races and club-based events are popular in many countries around the world.
Traditionally, bettors place wagers on a specific runner to win (finish first), place (finish either first or second) or show (finish third). Some of the more common bet types include the daily double and the exactas. In addition, bettors may place a combination of multiple bets, such as the pick six (picking the winners of six consecutive races).
Most horse races are run on grass tracks, dirt tracks or synthetic surfaces. The types of track surface can influence the speed and performance of a horse in a given race. Grass tracks are typically more fast than dirt and synthetic surfaces, while clay or polymer based tracks tend to be slower.
In order to provide a fair and even playing field, racing rules have been developed that govern the eligibility of horses to compete in different races. These rules are based on age, sex, birthplace and previous racing history. Additionally, rules have been developed to limit the number of horses that may be entered in a race. This is known as class relief and is designed to ensure that no one horse dominates all other runners.
Another way to create a level playing field is to use “claiming” races. These are races where any licensed person may purchase a running horse for a set price. The horse then changes owners as soon as the race starts although the previous owner still retains all of the purse money for the race. This is a method of risk and reward that allows horse owners to get more rewards by running their horses in higher class races, but also protects the investment of those who cannot afford to buy or breed a top quality runner.
When a horse is claimed it usually means that the horse has been placed in a race that it has never ran in before, and thus has a much lower probability of winning. The claiming process is essential to the survival of thoroughbred horse racing, as it would be impossible to wager on races if only the best horses were eligible.
Animal advocacy informants emphasized that horses are subjected to high levels of stress during the course of a race. They cited the presence of many handlers, who are wearing helmets and apply force to horses during exercise or in close quarters. These anthropomorphic interactions exacerbate the innate stress that is part of the horse’s nature and can be aggravated by hot or cold temperatures, exercise or other factors.