Horse racing is a sport in which horses compete with each other over a specified distance and time. It is a popular form of entertainment and has been around for centuries.

The winning horse is the one that crosses the finish line first, often with a large amount of prize money in front of them. There are many variations of the race, but the basic concept remains the same: a horse must run to the finish line in order to win.

There are several types of races, including sprints and routes (both shorter distances). Typically the winner is determined by quick acceleration.

Flat races, also called individual races, are the most common type of horse race and take place on a straight track with measured distances from 440 yards to over four miles (6.4 km). Steeple chases, hurdle races and jump races all differ from flats in that they are held at greater speeds and usually require jumping a variety of obstacles before crossing the finish line.

Traditionally, the age of a horse at the start of a race is three years. However, in the United States, due to the escalating cost of breeding and sales, racehorses are now generally at peak performance by the age of five.

A claiming race is a type of race in which a horse is entered by someone who expects to win the purse, but the race is then run only on the condition that other horses are scratched before the end of the race. This is often done to reduce the number of horses entering a race and thus increase the purse.

An allowance race is a type of non-claiming race that allows the horse’s owners to condition the weight they give their horses, based on their previous purse earnings or other factors. A jockey may also receive an allowance for riding the horse.

The rules of horse racing vary widely from track to track, but most countries share the same core principles. Riders must ride in a safe manner, jump all obstacles, and follow a course prescribed by the track’s stewards. The stewards must be able to recognize a rider who is not following the course properly and may disqualify them from the race.

In the United States, most races are governed by state law. Each state is allowed to have different rules regarding tack, whips, horse racing purses and other aspects of the sport.

Regardless of the jurisdiction, most races must start from starting stalls or gates. In rare circumstances, the starter or stewards may declare a false start and disqualify the horse from the race.

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority is currently working on anti-doping rules that are expected to be in effect by 2023. It is hoped that these rules will help reduce the problem of doping. It is also a way to ensure the health and welfare of all the horses that enter the racetracks.