Horse racing is one of the world’s oldest sports, and while it has evolved into a spectacle involving massive fields of runners, sophisticated electronic monitoring equipment, and immense sums of money, its basic concept remains unchanged. The horse that crosses the finish line first wins.

In the modern era, horse races are typically conducted on an oval-shaped track that includes a straightaway and several turns. A number of hurdles or fences may also be located on the course, and horses competing in a race must jump over each obstacle. A jockey, or rider, is tasked with helping his or her mount navigate the course and successfully clear each fence or hurdle.

The history of horse racing dates back thousands of years, and its development into the sport we know today has been influenced by numerous figures from the past. British racing pioneer Admiral Rous established the process of handicapping, and 20th century form expert Phil Bull founded Timeform — still used to assess the sport’s all-time greats.

Before a horse race begins, horses are positioned in stalls or behind a starting gate. Once the gates open, each horse is given a signal to begin running. Throughout the race, jockeys use their whips to help their horses along the course and over any obstacles that are in their way.

While a horse is racing, a jockey must be cautious to avoid any illegal activities that could disqualify the animal. For example, if a horse veers or is ridden to the side so as to impede another competitor, that animal will be disqualified. Likewise, if a horse is injured in a race but continues to compete, it will likely be euthanized afterward.

Aside from injuries, a horse’s health is of the utmost importance during a race. This is especially true if the animal is competing for a significant amount of prize money. In order to qualify for a race, a horse must have a clean bill of health.

If a horse is in poor condition, it will need to undergo veterinary treatment before it can compete. This can include blood work, radiographs, and other tests to determine the severity of the injury. A horse that is found to be unsound can be retired from racing and put up for sale.

Despite the fact that horse racing is an expensive and time-consuming sport, many owners and trainers consider it to be a lucrative business. Unfortunately, the industry is plagued with cheating and drug abuse. Oftentimes, horses with suspiciously fast times will be attributed to the use of performance-enhancing drugs. When bettors suspect that certain horses are receiving this medication, they quickly find alternative wagering opportunities elsewhere. This can have a devastating effect on the horse racing industry. This is why thorough oversight of the sport is so important. It keeps horses and bettors safer while protecting the integrity of the game.