Horse racing is a centuries-old sport in which people wager on the winnings of thoroughbred racehorses. It is a popular sport that has spawned an entire industry, and it is played in over 100 countries around the world. Horse racing is a dangerous sport, but the industry has improved its safety protocols significantly over time. In spite of these advances, the horse racing industry has a dark side to it that involves abusive training, drug abuse, and gruesome breakdowns. It is also a brutal sport for the horses that are forced to sprint for long distances, often under the threat of whips and illegal electric shock devices. Horses are often subjected to extreme conditions, and many are killed after injuries or a gruesome breakdown. Growing awareness of the cruelty that is behind Thoroughbred horse racing has fueled calls for reforms.

Before a horse is allowed to participate in a race, it must be prepared by the trainer. This begins with an extensive pre-race regimen that includes a series of workouts called “breakfast runs” and conditioning races. In addition, the runner is given cocktails of legal and illegal drugs to mask pain and enhance performance. During these exercises, the runner will sometimes bleed from its lungs, a condition known as exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage. The trainer will then have the runner work, or breeze, for a longer period of time in order to build up its conditioning and its ability to handle the stress of a race.

Afterwards, the runner will be taken to the paddock and fitted with its racing gear. It will then be paired up with a pony, which serves as a calming companion for the excitable horse. During the post parade, members of the public place their bets and watch the competitors warm up for the race. Ponies are not used in all races, but the practice has been shown to reduce the incidence of pre-race injuries for horses that are ridden.

After the race is over, the runners are given water, and then the winner’s jockey receives the prize money. A horse that has won more than one race is eligible to enter more expensive events, such as stakes races. Some of these races are categorized as “sprints” because they require fast acceleration, while others are known as “routes” because they test a horse’s endurance.

The horse racing industry is governed by rules and regulations based on the age, sex, birthplace, and history of the runner. In addition, racetracks have their own set of rules and regulations for the horses that compete there. Races are also grouped into different categories, such as allowance races and claiming races. These races are designed to allow horses with similar abilities to compete against each other. This creates a level playing field for all of the horses in a particular race, and it helps to make betting on the outcome of a race more profitable. However, a well-laid plan can change in a heartbeat, as horses sometimes fail to qualify for certain races and trainers have to be creative in finding alternatives for their horses.