Horse races are exciting events that have long been a popular entertainment for spectators, both in person and on TV. They have become synonymous with high stakes and glamour, especially at elite races like the Kentucky Derby and Royal Ascot. Spectators often dress up in fancy hats, dresses, and suits for these prestigious occasions. Many people have a strong interest in horse racing because of its history, culture, and tradition. Others are drawn to the sport for its lucrative betting opportunities.

While horse racing has been around for centuries, it has evolved significantly in recent years with new technological advancements. These innovations include thermal imaging cameras that detect horses overheating post-race, MRI scanners that scan horses for injuries and illnesses, and 3D printing that can produce casts, splints, and prosthetics for injured or sick horses. These advances have improved horse safety and performance as well as the fan experience.

The most famous race in the world is the Preakness Stakes, which is held every April at Pimlico Racecourse in Baltimore, Maryland. It is one of the most popular horse races in the United States, with an average attendance of 86,000 people. It is also a major source of revenue for Pimlico, with ticket sales, gambling, and sponsorships. It is also a cultural event with rich traditions, such as the mint juleps served to the crowd during the race.

Horses are trained to run over different distances, from short sprint races to long-distance route races. The latter are referred to as staying races, and they are seen as tests of stamina as well as speed. A horse must be able to maintain its speed over a long distance, and it must have fast acceleration to win. It is not uncommon for horses to lose some of their early momentum over the course of a long race.

While the highest-earning horses typically retire from racing, lower-earning horses may continue to compete until they are too ill or injured to compete. These lower-earning horses have a harder time covering the costs of their training and veterinary care, and are more likely to be forced to retire from racing due to their limited ability to cover these expenses. The peak age for a Thoroughbred horse is when it earns its highest Beyer Speed Figure. In general, horses improve by 22.2 points between the end of their two-year-old season and the middle of their four-year-old year before declining by 12.1 points over the rest of their career. This is a significant improvement in speed for sprint races and a decline in speed for route races. This is why a good horse should be well-prepared by the beginning of its four-year-old season and be in excellent physical condition.