A horse race is a contest in which horses are ridden and guided by jockeys to compete over a pre-determined distance. In most races, the goal is to win by crossing the finish line first. A horse’s performance may be influenced by its weight (which it must carry for fairness) as well as its age, gender, and class (which is reflected in the name of the race). Horses are generally trained to sprint over a short course. They are often whipped with whips, which can cause serious injuries and even hemorrhage in the lungs, as they are forced to run at speeds that exceed their natural capacity. In addition, the horse is subjected to harsh training methods that include the use of electric shocks and other physical punishments.

The earliest races in history were based on gambling. The sport was regulated by royal decree during the reign of Louis XIV. The current system of horse racing was established in the United States and other countries by the formation of a governing body, a code of conduct, and other rules including requiring certificates of origin for the horses, imposing extra weight on foreign competitors, and instituting a series of elite races called stakes or conditions races. These races are often referred to as the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred racing and include the Belmont Stakes, Kentucky Derby, and Preakness Stakes.

The race procedure begins when a trainer brings the horses to the paddock, where an official inspects them for rule infractions and to ensure that the horses are carrying the proper amount of weight. Then the jockeys ride them to the race course, where they are given instructions from the trainer. During the race, the jockey must guide the horse through the course, leaping any hurdles or obstacles if necessary, and cross the finish line before any of the other horses to win.

A photo finish is declared if two or more horses reach the finish line simultaneously. The winning horse must have been in the lead at that point. Some races are settled by dead heat regulations. In order to be eligible for a prize, the horses must have been entered in the correct class and must pass a random drug test. The results of these tests are often shocking, showing that many horses are being over-medicated in order to mask pain and enhance their ability to perform. Those who fail to pass the drug test are euthanized or sold at auction, which leads to death at a slaughterhouse.

In addition to the dangers of the races themselves, horses are often exposed to harsh training methods and other forms of abuse that can cause permanent lameness. These include tongue ties, which restrict the movement of a horse’s tongue to cause discomfort, and spurs, which exert sharp pressure when the jockey applies them to the horse’s back. The RSPCA opposes these types of equipment because they can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort, as well as permanent injury and damage.