Horse racing is an international spectator sport in which two or more horses race over an established distance, with the winner determined by which horse crosses the finish line first. Horse racing has long been part of culture around the world and can be found as evidence in Ancient Greece, Rome, Babylon Syria Egypt as well as being mentioned as part of myth and legends such as Odin’s battle with Hrungnir on his steeds in Norse mythology.
Modern horseracing has evolved significantly over time from an initial competition between two horses to today’s spectacle of large fields of runners with sophisticated electronic monitoring equipment and immense sums being bet on each race’s outcome. But its basic concept remains unchanged.
Horse racing hides an ugly underworld of drug abuse, horrific injuries and slaughter. Horses are forced to sprint under threat of whips or electric-shock devices at speeds that are inhumane for their skeletal systems and may lead to permanent disfigurement or life-threatening complications like exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (bleeding in the lungs caused by extreme physical exertion).
Races typically consist of several horses competing on an oval track over a predetermined distance, with the winner receiving a purse (also called the “takeout” or “jump-up prize). Betting options exist such as straight bets, place bets and show bets. Wagering on races has long been part of their culture since their introduction.
A horse’s weight in a race will depend on its current training level and race conditions; weight requirements typically range from 165-160 pounds. Higher weight will draw in more competitive runners while lower weight attracts entry-level horses that may be easier to place but less likely to win.
Once a horse has advanced through the claiming ranks, they may move into an allowance race. “Two Other Than” races provide opportunities for horses that have yet to win any non-mare, non-claimant, or starter allowance races; as this level of competition makes these races hard to fill.
Trainers sometimes prescribe medication to their horses to enhance their performance in races. The medication is given prior to race day in a special barn where horses are housed for several days prior to competition; this practice has come under criticism by veterinarians, who claim too many horses are being over-medicated and then sent for slaughterhouse slaughtering.
An Across the Board bet involves betting on one horse to win, place, and show. If they do so successfully, players receive all three prices; otherwise if they finish second they collect the Place price, while third place gets them the Show prize.