Horse racing is a sport that involves running horses at high speed while being guided by riders on their backs, called jockeys. The sport has a rich history and is practiced in many different countries around the world. Some people criticize the sport, arguing that it is inhumane for the horses and that it has become corrupt as a result of doping and overbreeding. Others believe that the “Sport of Kings” represents a pinnacle of achievement for the competitors and that it may need some reform, but that its fundamentals are sound.

Horse races have been around for thousands of years, and the game has shaped civilizations throughout the world. Archaeological evidence shows that the practice existed in ancient Greece, Rome, Babylon and Syria. It also plays an important role in mythology, with a number of legendary figures portrayed riding their steeds, such as Odin and Hrungnir. Modern horse racing originated in Britain, and a number of influential figures have shaped the rules of the sport. Admiral Rous established the process of handicapping a race, and Phil Bull established Timeform, which is still used to assess the best horses in the world.

The game has a number of important safety rules that must be followed by both horses and their riders. The most important rule is to ride in a safe manner and avoid causing injury to the animal. It is also important to ensure that the horse is fit for the race, and to jump every hurdle if present.

Another important aspect of the game is to maintain a level playing field for bettors. There are a number of ways that this can be accomplished, including limiting the amount that a single bettor can bet. In addition, there are often minimum and maximum bet amounts that must be placed in a race, and these limits are usually set by the track operator.

Various forms of wagering are available for horse races, including parimutuels and equivalence bets. Parimutuel bets are based on the winning percentage of each bet, after a certain percentage has been deducted by the track (Take Out). Equivalence bets are similar to parimutuels but do not include Take Out.

A stewards panel decides the winner of a horse race after studying a photo finish or video of a race to determine which horse crossed the finish line first. The panel will consider the race’s rules, previous performance and current form when making a decision.

Horse races are dangerous for both the horses and their jockeys. The horses are forced to run at incredibly fast speeds, which can cause injuries and even death. They are often bred before they are fully mature, exposing them to developmental disorders, and they are subjected to a great deal of physical stress during the race. The resulting injuries and stress can lead to a variety of health issues, including cracked leg bones and hooves, and even permanent lameness. They are also subjected to illegal drugs that can increase their speed and mask pain.