Horse races are an event where horses ridden and guided by jockeys compete for prize money in fast-paced environments. Millions of spectators attend these events worldwide to bet on their favorite horses or just enjoy watching these athletes race head to head. Now this sport generates billions in revenue for companies involved with it.
History of horse racing dates back to Europe during colonial period. Organised racing was first organized in New Amsterdam by Colonel Richard Nicolls who created a 2-mile course and offered silver cups as rewards to winners – this marked the birth of modern thoroughbred horse racing – now one of the world’s most lucrative sports.
While organized racing provided many benefits for industry and animals alike, its introduction also placed undue stress on animals. Horses were forced to work extremely hard without rest between races, drugged and whipped until exhausted – many injured animals died as a result of these practices; many more animals were trained too early and raced too young before eventually being slaughtered at their career’s conclusion.
Despite these concerns, horse racing remains a global industry, enjoying worldwide popularity as the second most watched spectator sport and contributing billions to many economies around the globe – particularly here in the US where horse races contribute $15 billion each year to our economy. Historic tracks and significant institutions have emerged worldwide including American Stud Book and Belmont Stakes events.
Pedigree plays an integral part in most horse races. To compete, an eligible racehorse must possess sire and dam that are purebred members of its breed of choice; there may be exceptions; such as when entered in either a flat race without obstacles, or steeplechase race over obstacles.
Weight, age, sex and training all can have an effect on how a horse performs in races; underweight Thoroughbreds tend to have a higher chance of victory compared with their overweight counterparts.
An additional factor influencing the outcome of horse races is their track’s surface. Typically, faster tracks increase chances of victory; however, this speed may be inhibited by factors like surface type and condition as well as other variables.