Horse racing is a popular sport that has been around for centuries. It is a thrilling event that can be watched from the stands or from home on your television. People bet money on the outcome of the race. They can bet to win, place or show. The winner of the race receives the highest amount of money.

When horses are bred and raised properly, they can be trained well to become a racehorse. They can be prepared to run long distances and compete in races that are challenging to the riders. There are many different races that a horse can be entered in. Each race has its own set of rules and regulations that the horses must meet in order to be eligible for the race.

Before a horse can be raced, it must pass a thorough physical examination by a veterinarian. The veterinarian will ensure that the horse is healthy and has the proper weight for the race. The vet will also inspect the horse’s feet, mouth, eyes and heart to make sure they are free from any injury or infection. The horses will also be tested for illegal substances.

The stewards will then walk the horses to the starting gate, which is electrically operated at most tracks. Once the starter starts the race, the stewards and patrol judges, aided by a motion-picture camera, watch for any rule violations. After the race is over, the stewards will announce the winner.

During the race, a horse must be kept within three lengths of the leader in order to win. The stewards will also look for any jockeys that have fallen off their horses. Afterward, the stewards will verify the results of the race and disqualify any jockeys that have violated the rules.

In the past, horse racing has been a popular pastime among the middle and upper classes. It was a way for them to get away from the hard reality of daily life and escape into a world of glamour and excitement. People would go to the race track and cheer on a favorite horse by name, such as Seabiscuit.

However, as the industry has evolved, it is losing a lot of its fans and income. This has been a result of the increased awareness about the dark side of the industry, such as abusive training practices, drug abuse and gruesome breakdowns that often end in slaughter. It is time for racing to start making real changes to address these issues. Otherwise, it will not survive in a society, culture and potentially justice system that increasingly recognizes animals as having basic rights, including survival.