Horse racing is a sport that involves two or more horses and their jockeys. It is one of the oldest forms of organized sports, with evidence that both chariot and mounted (bareback) races were part of the ancient Olympic Games beginning around 700 bce. The sport continued to develop into the modern era and has become an important source of entertainment for fans.
Betting on a horse race is a popular activity for many people at the track. The bets can range from a single bet on which horse will win the race to an accumulator bet on multiple outcomes of the race. Many bettors also bet on the number of places a horse will finish in the race. The amount paid out for a bet depends on the number of horses in the race and the type of racing surface.
A runner is the term used for a human on foot who rides a horse to compete in a race. In the United States, runners are known as jockeys and women are called fillies. A runner must be licensed in order to compete in a horse race. The licensing process is regulated by state law and can include background checks, drug testing, and other requirements. A runner must be at least 18 years of age to be licensed.
Before the introduction of automobiles and television, horse races were the primary form of entertainment for many people. The sport was so popular that some cities built racetracks to attract spectators. During the 17th and 18th centuries, England became the center of organized horse racing. King James I established Newmarket as a hub for equine breeding, solidifying the sport’s structure.
Today, horse races are held all over the world and offer high stakes and huge purses. The Kentucky Derby and the Breeders Cup Classic are two of the most famous horse races in America, while in Europe, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and Epsom Derby are among the most prestigious events.
A steward is an official who oversees the running of a race and determines whether or not a horse or jockey has committed a foul during the course of the event. He or she is also responsible for examining any injuries sustained by a horse during the race. In addition, stewards conduct post-race inspections to examine horses for potential fouls, which are deemed unacceptable and could result in disqualification of the horse or jockey.