The most famous horse race in the world is the Kentucky Derby. It is a long race over a demanding distance that requires both speed and stamina. The most prestigious flat races around the world are run over similar distances, including the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and Melbourne Cup. The race has a long history of controversy. In the past, it was a corrupt and criminal sport, but today it has been improved through a number of reforms, most notably the introduction of a computerized pari-mutuel betting system in 1984 and television coverage in the early 1990s. These changes have helped to broaden the racing fan base.
While the sport has grown, it remains a small and somewhat exclusive world. The horse industry is dominated by a wealthy few who own and breed the best horses. They then hire jockeys to ride them, and spectators come to watch. But behind the romanticized facade of horse racing lies a world of injuries, drug abuse, gruesome breakdowns, and slaughter.
In order for a horse to race, it must have two parents that are purebreds of the same breed. The breeds include Thoroughbreds, Arabians, and Quarter Horses. In addition, a horse must meet specific age and weight requirements. For example, in order to be eligible to compete in a horse race, the horse must be three years old or older. The horse must also weigh at least a certain amount, which is determined by its height and body type.
Before the race, trainers and owners will shave the horse and apply liniment to its legs, abdomen, back, neck, and shoulders. This helps the horse to stay relaxed during the race and prevents its muscles from tightening and contracting. The horses may also be given a medication called Lasix before the race. This is a diuretic that decreases the amount of blood a horse loses during exercise. This is because horses that are not hydrated or properly fed can experience exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH), which is caused by intense exertion and can cause severe bleeding in the lungs.
During a horse race, the horse must not break its stride, which is when its front and back legs move on the same side at the same time. This is a common problem for pacers, which is why most of them wear hobbles. On the other hand, trotters don’t wear hobbles because their gait is different. Instead, their front and back legs alternate on each side.
The flexor tendon on the back of the horse is like a big spring that stretches and then rebounds, which allows the horse to move quickly. When a horse has problems with its flexor tendon, it can’t move at the same speed as other horses. The horse may buck or become erratic, which can result in an accident. If the horse tries to buck or bolt, it is disqualified.
If a horse is injured in a race, it is often put down immediately after the event. This is because the injury can be fatal to the horse. Injuries are often the result of bad training, which is why many people prefer to race a horse that has been trained well.