A horse race is a type of competition in which horses are driven at high speeds over a course that includes hills, turns and other obstacles. The winner of a horse race receives a prize, often money. A horse race can be an exciting event to watch or take part in. It can also be dangerous for both the horses and humans involved. The term horse race can also be used to refer to a nail-biting political contest.
In a horse race, the runners are ranked according to their speed and distance traveled. The fastest and closest to the finish line wins. The runners may or may not be accompanied by jockeys (riders) who hold the reins, which control the horse’s movements. Runners may or may not wear hobbles, which are straps that connect the front and back legs on each side of the horse to keep it from “breaking stride.”
The first organized horse race in the United States took place in New York City in 1664. A British soldier, Colonel Richard Nicolls, established it by setting out a 2-mile track and offering prizes for the winning horse and its owner. The first race was for six-year-olds carrying 168 pounds in 4-mile heats, with a horse having to win two to be declared the winner.
Thoroughbreds, the breed of horse most often used for racing, are characterized by their size and their ability to run long distances. The average adult horse weighs about 1,000 pounds. When a racehorse is not running, its feet are placed in “stable shoes,” which protect them from the hard surface of the track and help prevent injuries. The shoes are removed during workouts and in races.
Horses’ hooves strike the ground with great force during a race, causing vibrations that can cause damage to the bones in their feet. They can also cause an injury called suspensory desmitis, in which a ligament in the hindquarters is stretched or pulled. The injury is diagnosed by radiographs and blood work, which are performed on the horse at the track before the race.
A horse that is injured or unhealthy during a race or workout must be pulled up and will not return to the race. This is done to protect the health and safety of the animal and other horses. The injured or sick horse is then checked by a veterinarian, who may determine that it can no longer participate in the race. If not, the veterinarian may determine if it is suitable for another race.
The word horse race is sometimes used in a political sense, especially in the United States, to refer to a close election. When politicians and journalists focus on who is ahead and behind, rather than on policy issues, this can lead to an atmosphere of mudslinging and attack ads that can obscure the real issues at stake in the election. Media scholars have studied horse race reporting for decades to better understand the consequences of this style of news coverage. A growing body of research shows that voters, candidates and the news industry suffer when journalists frame elections as a horse race instead of focusing on policy issues.