A horse race is a contest of speed between horses that are either ridden by jockeys or pulled by sulkies and their drivers. It has been practiced by human civilizations around the world since antiquity. It is also a popular spectator sport. In its modern form, a thoroughbred horse race involves multiple horses on a designated track competing for a fixed prize. The sport’s roots lie in the hunt, where hunters pursued game from their steeds. Increasing prize money encouraged breeders to produce more highly trained horses for the purpose of competition. The sport evolved further with the addition of betting, which increased public interest and created a new economic incentive.

Today, many people are concerned about the welfare of racehorses. Injuries are common, and one study estimates that 3 thoroughbreds die every day because of catastrophic injuries during racing. Injuries may occur when the animals are exercising or training or as a result of collisions with other animals, vehicles or obstacles at the track. The most common cause of injury is a fall from the horse’s back, which can happen when it loses control or jumps off the track.

Another concern is the fact that most racehorses end up in slaughterhouses after they stop winning or become injured. Some are killed in Canada, Mexico or Japan, where they’re used for glue and food. Others are exported to countries like France and Japan, where the flesh is a delicacy. In an effort to address the problem, some equine organizations have taken steps to increase awareness and improve the safety of horses in the industry.

There is also a growing movement to ban horse racing, and several states have passed laws against it. However, despite recent crackdowns on doping and increased safety rules, horse racing remains a lucrative industry and a complete ban seems unlikely.

The word horse race is widely used in the English language to mean a close contest of some kind, and it has been applied to political contests. For example, when a politician says that the election is a horse race among four opponents, they are suggesting that it will be tight and that their opponent’s supporters may be more likely to defect.

The term is also commonly applied to sporting events, including horse racing, as it can be a very close contest and therefore a good test of skills or endurance. The most famous horse race in the world is the Kentucky Derby, which has been held annually since 1875 and is often described as a “Crown Jewel” of American racing. The event is a major draw for fans and attracts many visitors from abroad. The race is a key moment in the US horse racing calendar and features some of the most high-profile owners and riders in the sport. The Derby is regarded as the most important race of the year in the United States and has been the subject of much debate about its integrity and the welfare of the participating horses.