A horse race is a contest of speed or stamina between two or more horses, usually over a set distance. It is one of the oldest sports and it has evolved over time into a huge industry. In the modern era it has become a spectacle with massive fields of runners and sophisticated electronic monitoring equipment. However, its basic concept remains unchanged. The horse that crosses the finish line first is the winner.

The earliest races were match contests between two or at most three horses. Pressure from the public, however, produced events with larger fields of runners. By the mid-18th century dash (one heat) racing became the rule, and a rider’s skill and judgment in coaxing a few yards in an advantage from his mount was more important than ever. A number of races were also established that included rules based on a horse’s age, sex, birthplace and previous performance.

During the race, a jockey controls his horse by riding on its back and communicating with it through hand signals. He also guides it by using a whip to direct it through the course. The jockey must also avoid obstacles and other hazards. If he fails to do so, the horse can be injured or even killed.

The race is a spectacle that attracts spectators from all over the world. Spectators are often dressed in extravagant clothes and sip mint juleps to celebrate the occasion. Behind the romanticized facade, however, horse racing is a cruel sport. Many horses are bred to be fast, but they must run at high speeds that can cause severe injuries and even hemorrhage in their lungs.

Many people criticize horse racing, arguing that it is inhumane and has been corrupted by doping and overbreeding. Others believe that the sport has a long and distinguished history and is a form of entertainment that is enjoyed by millions of people worldwide.

A race may be over a short or long distance, depending on the customs of the country in which it is held. Most races are over a mile, but some are over longer distances, such as 21/2 miles (4 kilometers) or more. The length of the course is a factor in the horse’s ability to finish a race, and it can influence betting strategies. A shorter course will require less stamina, while a longer race requires more endurance and is more difficult for the horses to win.