Horse racing is a form of competitive running for Thoroughbred race horses, usually over a fixed distance. The sport is practiced around the world and has a rich history, dating back to at least the 9th or 8th century BCE in Asia Minor. It is a popular sport for spectators, with betting being commonplace. It is also an important part of mythology, such as in the story of the chariot race in Homer’s Iliad.
The earliest races were match races between two or at most three horses, in which owners provided the purse and bets were a simple wager. Later, rules for eligibility developed based on the age, sex, birthplace and previous performance of horses, along with the qualifications of their riders. These agreements were recorded by disinterested third parties, who became known as keepers of the match books.
As the popularity of horse racing grew, so too did the need for more race tracks and more competition. As demand increased, match races gave way to open events that allowed more horses to compete in a single race. This new style of racing required more skill on the part of riders to coax an advantage from their mounts, and a larger field made it more difficult for a rider to win.
Betting on horse races involves placing bets on which horse will cross the finish line first, second or third. There are also accumulator bets, in which multiple bets are placed on the same outcome. Other types of bets include singles, tricasts and parlays.
While many people enjoy watching and betting on horse races, the sport can be dangerous for animals. Many horses are injured or killed while competing, and many of these deaths can be attributed to the intense physical stress of the sport. The 2008 Kentucky Derby was a particularly gruesome example, as both Eight Belles and Medina Spirit died from the exertion and the stress of the race.
Despite the risks, horse racing remains popular in both the United States and abroad. Approximately 60 million people watch horse races annually in the United States, and more than 1.5 billion people worldwide are fans of the sport. The sport has also been a significant economic force for some countries, such as Japan, France and Ireland.
The popularity of horse racing may be related to its long history and cultural significance in a variety of societies. Historical records show that horse racing was practiced in ancient Greece, Egypt and Babylon. It was even a feature of the Olympic Games from 740 to 700 bce.
While there is no way to make an election entirely free of partisanship or horse race coverage, research suggests that voters and journalists all suffer when the focus is too narrow. A collection of studies, compiled for the Journalist’s Resource from Harvard University’s Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy, suggests that when reporters cover elections with an excessive emphasis on who’s winning or losing instead of discussing policy issues, voters, candidates and journalism itself are harmed.