A horse race is a competition in which one or more horses are guided by jockeys, who are wearing riding clothes, over a set course. In the United States, races are usually held over a distance of one mile or more. The length of a course may vary, depending on the customs of a particular country and whether or not hurdles are included. Jumping over obstacles requires skill and stamina, and is often considered the most difficult and hazardous aspect of the sport. Despite these hazards, horse racing has been enjoyed as a leisure activity for millennia.

Horse racing is an important part of the economy and culture of many countries. It is the basis for a variety of betting activities. In addition, it provides jobs for many people and contributes to the local tax base. In the United States, horse racing is regulated by state law. The sport is also popular in other countries around the world.

The sport of horse racing dates back to the ancient Greeks. In the early days of the game, men used chariots, which were wheeled carts pulled by teams of horses, to compete in racing events. Later, the game evolved into a formalized contest with rules that were established in the seventeenth century. The modern era of the sport began in England with the introduction of the Thoroughbred breed, which was specifically bred for racing and jumping.

The first standardized horse races were called King’s Plates. These were matches between two horses and required that a horse win both of its heats to be declared the winner. As the sport gained in popularity, pressure from gamblers produced a more generalized form of racing that involved larger fields and was more based on a horse’s ability to dash than on its judgment or skill. These events were 4-mile (6.4-kilometer) heats, and a horse had to win two to be declared the winner.

In modern times, horse racing has been tainted by the use of drugs to boost performance. Medications designed for humans, such as powerful painkillers and anti-inflammatories, frequently bled over into race preparation. In addition, trainers have been able to easily use steroids and growth hormones because of the difficulty in detecting their presence through standard tests.

When a horse race is conducted for the selection of a CEO or other top-level position, it can have negative consequences that go beyond the initial disruptions to the company. Unless it is managed well, the process can deprive the organization of strong leaders who might have aligned with an unsuccessful candidate. It can also alienate employees and investors who might feel that the process is unfair or corrupt. Nevertheless, the horse race can be an effective method of selecting a new CEO if certain precautions are taken. Those who advocate this type of method also claim that it sets a tone of accountability within the company and fosters a spirit of competition. The best companies, however, have found that it is better to seek a new leader through other methods than through the horse race.