A horse race is a contest of speed among horses that either are ridden by jockeys or pulled by sulkies and their drivers. It is one of the oldest sports and remains a popular activity throughout the world. While horse racing has its share of controversy and negative stereotypes, it also boasts a long tradition of elegance and spectacle, both on and off the track. The sport continues to evolve with the onset of technological advances while retaining a core of time-honored customs that draw millions of spectators every year.

The horse race can take many forms, from a simple sprint to a long-distance route race. Regardless of the distance, a good turn of foot is essential for winning. The sport is often described as a test of speed and stamina, and it has been practiced in civilizations around the world since ancient times. Archaeological records suggest that horse races took place in ancient Greece, Egypt, Rome, Babylon, Syria, and Arabia. It also plays an important role in mythology, including the contest between Odin’s steeds and the giant Hrungnir in Norse legend.

In the modern era, the horse race has been influenced by a wide variety of factors, most notably the development of artificial insemination and genetic selection. This has led to the development of specialized breeds that excel at certain tasks, and in particular, have the potential to race well. The most prestigious races are called conditions races, and offer the biggest purses. These races are generally based on pedigree, and the horse must have a sire (father) and dam (mother) that are purebred members of the same breed in order to compete.

Another major factor influencing the outcome of a horse race is the level of competition. While some races are open to all comers, the vast majority of races are handicapped. A handicapped race allocates fixed weights to each competitor, based on their ability. These weights are adjusted for things like age, race distance, sex, and whether the horse is male or female.

In addition to the variable weights, each horse is subjected to a range of other conditions. These can include the type of track on which the race is run, the number and size of the horses, and the prevailing weather conditions. This makes it difficult to determine the winner until after the race is over. The race is then decided by a panel of stewards who study the finish line photograph to see which horse crossed the finish line first. If the stewards cannot decide who won, the race is settled according to dead heat rules.

Horse races have become increasingly regulated in recent years, with a number of countries banning the sport entirely or limiting betting and sponsorships. In other areas, the sport is expanding rapidly, largely due to improvements in equine health and safety. Veterinary care is now of a higher quality than ever before, and a number of new technologies have helped to increase race safety and improve the lives of horses and their jockeys.