Horse racing is one of the world’s most popular spectator sports. It also draws large wagers and is a major economic driver. A successful racehorse requires a team effort to prepare it for competition. Breeders, farriers (hoof care specialists), veterinarians, exercise riders, trainers and jockeys all play a part in the sport’s success. And at the racetrack, there are paddock judges (pre-race vetting officials), track outriders (for maintenance), bookies, commentators and many other workers.
The first recorded horse races took place in 700 B.C. in Greece, where chariot races featured four-hitched chariots and riders on barebacks. Later, chariot racing became a spectator sport in Rome and other European cities. Later still, it began to spread to the rest of the world, and horse races soon grew in popularity as a gambling activity and as an exhibition for the skill of horses and their riders.
Originally, horse races were not very safe for either spectators or participants. Spectators were often pelted with dirt, and horses were sometimes kicked in the face by other runners. Horses were prey animals, and their instinct to run away from danger may have led them to attack other horses.
In the 17th century, horse races became regulated and safer. By the 19th century, rules were in place to prevent blood doping, a process by which horses are given drugs designed to enhance their performance. In addition to the painkillers, anti-inflammatories and growth hormones that were used by trainers, horses could be given cocaine, heroin, strychnine, caffeine and other substances designed to increase their energy and endurance. Those who were caught breaking the rules faced stiff penalties, including crucifixion.
Today, most horses are trained to be safe for both spectators and participants. The sport is regulated by national and international organizations to maintain safety standards.
A horse that is deemed to be unfit for competition will be disqualified from a race. This usually occurs when a horse is injured or has a serious health issue, and can happen before, during or after a race. In some cases, the injured horse will be euthanized.
Horses that are fit for a race will be examined by a vet before the race begins. The vet will check for injuries, illness, and a variety of other things that can affect a horse’s performance. If the vet finds that a horse is not in good condition to race, it will be scratched from the race.
A horse’s chance of winning a race is determined by its odds, which are based on the number of bets placed on that particular horse and the amount of money wagered on it. The more money that is bet on a horse, the higher its odds will be. A horse with a high odds of winning will have a larger payout than a horse with a lower odds of winning. The exact odds of a race are listed on the tote board in the infield of a track.