A horse race is a competition in which horses are guided by jockeys along a track and over obstacles such as hurdles. The first horse to cross the finish line wins, though sometimes a photo finish is used. When a race is decided by a photo finish, the stewards examine a photograph of the finish line to determine which horse broke the plane first.

Horse racing was a popular activity in ancient times, but it didn’t become formalized until around 1000 B.C.E. At that time, the Greeks created a game involving horses attached to two-wheeled carts or chariots. In later years, people began betting on the outcome of a horse race. In the 19th century, this evolved into a more organized betting pool known as a pari-mutuel. This type of wagering involves a group of individuals sharing the total amount bet, minus a percentage for the management of the track.

One of the key factors in determining which horse will win is its pedigree. To be eligible to race, a horse must have a sire and dam who are purebred members of the same breed as the horse. The horse must also meet certain age and sex requirements to compete in a particular race.

Before a race begins, the horses are lined up in their stalls or behind the starting gate. Once the stewards have verified that the horses are ready to start, they open the gate and the race starts. Throughout the race, the jockeys guide their horses along the course and over any hurdles or fences.

During a race, it is possible for both the horse and its jockey to be disqualified from the competition. A jockey can be disqualified for riding their horse in a way that interferes with or intimidates other horses or their riders. For example, if a horse and its jockey swerve so they appear to be trying to steal the lead, they may be disqualified.

Another important factor is a horse’s ability to run the distance of a race. The most competitive horses can run as fast as four to five miles per hour, and their speed is one of the main reasons people enjoy watching them race. While a horse can be trained to run faster, it is more common for the horses to be bred and raised to have the ability to win races at their natural speed.

There are some who criticize the practice of horse racing, arguing that it is inhumane and corrupted by drug use. However, many horse lovers enjoy the thrill of a good race and find it rewarding to root for a favorite. Even if a horse isn’t the winner of a race, it can still receive a substantial purse for finishing in the top three. This money is distributed to the owners of the competing horses. This makes horse racing a profitable business for its investors, even when the horses don’t always win.