Horse racing is a sport in which people place bets on the outcome of a race between one or more horses. It has a long history and is popular in many countries around the world. The sport has been practiced by ancient civilizations and features in mythology. It is a great spectator sport and offers many betting opportunities.
The first three races of the Triple Crown — the Belmont Stakes, Preakness Stakes, and Kentucky Derby — are considered the most prestigious in horse racing. They are often described as a test of courage, stamina, and determination for a racehorse. Each year, the world’s top horses compete in these three races.
During the heyday of doping, powerful painkillers and anti-inflammatories designed for humans made their way into horse-racing training as well. These drugs diluted the horses’ natural abilities, and they confused the rules of the game. Officialdom didn’t have the capacity to keep up with new drugs, and the penalties were relatively weak.
A horse that balks in a race is typically frightened or angry. Bettors watch a horse’s coat in the walking ring before the race to determine its state of mind. If it’s bright, rippling with sweat and muscled excitement, the animal is believed to be ready to run. Then the horse is ridden by its jockey and sent to the gate.
The gelding Canonero II won the 1971 Kentucky Derby as an impossible long shot. Born in Kentucky, he was shipped to Venezuela to race before coming back to the United States for the Derby. A mediocre performance at the Derby set him up to be an underdog in the Preakness, and he pulled off a three length victory. His win was one of the most memorable in Derby history.
Clubhouse Turn: The first turn of a race that begins on the frontstretch/homestretch. Usually, the winner is determined here. Runner-up: A horse that finishes in second place and receives half of the prize money from the winner. Third-place finisher: A horse that finishes in third place and receives the other half of the prize money from the winner. Consolation: A payout, generally much smaller than the full prize money, that players without a winning ticket receive in a multi-race wager, such as a daily double or Pick Six.
Trip: The course a horse and rider travel on during a race. A good trip means a horse encounters few difficulties, while a bad trip may involve racing wide or being boxed in.
Odds: The prices on a wager, displayed on the tote board at the track. Frequently used terms:
The International Federation of Horseracing Authorities publishes an annual ranking order of the world’s top horses. It takes into account performance over different distances, on varying surfaces (dirt/turf), and at various ages. This ranking is also used for breeding purposes. It helps match horse owners with the best prospects for their stables and for overseas racing.