A horse race is a competition in which horses compete against each other around a track or course of jumps. The horses may be ridden or driven, and a wide variety of tack is used. Spectators typically place bets on the outcome of a race, which makes it a very profitable sport for bookmakers.

Horse races are usually divided into age and gender groups to create a competitive balance. Each group has a name that helps players understand the type of race they are betting on. This helps to make the game more fun and easy for players to understand.

Depending on the type of horse race, there are many different rules and regulations that must be followed. The stewards are responsible for enforcing these rules during the race. They also investigate any possible fouls that occur during the race and announce them to the audience after the fact. Stewards are much less visible than other sports officials, but they serve a vital role in making sure the rules of horse racing are followed.

The practice of horse racing is ancient, and many cultures held different types of races involving the use of animals. Modern horse racing started at Newmarket, England in the 1600s. The sport is fast-paced, and it can be dangerous for both the horse and rider. Horses may be bred and trained in many ways, but the best way to ensure a healthy, happy horse is to provide it with plenty of exercise and good nutrition.

In the early days of horse racing, the field was mainly composed of a limited number of gentlemen who owned and bred horses. This led to races with restrictive rules such as those requiring a certificate of origin for horses and imposing extra weight on foreign horses. By the mid-18th century, demand for more public racing produced open events with larger fields of runners. Eligibility rules were established based on age, sex, birthplace, and previous performance.

One of the most common types of horse races is the handicap race. In these, the weights that horses must carry are adjusted based on their past performance. For example, a two-year old is given lighter weight than an older horse, and female horses are allowed to compete with males while carrying lower weights.

The most prestigious horse races are classified as Grade 1 or higher, and these usually feature the top horses in the country. The level of competition, the size of the purse, and the historical significance of the race all contribute to its rating. Other types of races include allowance races, where the racing secretary or track handicapper assigns weights designed to equalize winning chances for entrants; and claiming races, where horses are entered without paying an entry fee.