A horse race is a competition between horses for prize money. The oldest recorded horse race took place in Ireland in 1752 between Edmund Blake and Cornelius O’Callaghan for a hogshead of wine. The sport is a popular pastime for many people and has been part of the history of many nations. Horse racing has seen numerous technological changes over the years but it has retained the vast majority of its rules and traditions. Among the most important advances has been increased safety, both on and off the racetrack. Thermal imaging cameras can detect when a horse is overheating after a race, MRI scanners and x-rays allow veterinarians to diagnose many minor or major problems, and 3D printing has enabled the creation of casts, splints, and prosthetics for injured horses.

A runner is a type of horse that participates in a horse race. A horse is considered a runner when it meets certain criteria, including having a pedigree, being of a particular breed, and exhibiting physical characteristics such as speed and endurance. There are several different types of races that are contested by runners, but the most famous and prestigious are called stakes races. A runner must qualify for a stakes race by having a specific amount of winnings from previous races or by earning a certain number of points from other races.

The most prestigious races are known as the Triple Crown races and include the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes in the United States. Many other countries have their own Triple Crown series. These races are a showcase for the athleticism of the horse and the skill of the jockey. In addition, these races are a source of great entertainment for millions of fans around the world.

Besides the Triple Crown series, there are also a wide variety of elite races throughout the globe. The best of these are rated, or graded, by a panel of racing experts. The ranking is based on the performance of a horse in elite races over a designated period and takes into account the quality of the opposition.

There are some limitations on who can own a horse. In order to run in a race, the horse must be owned by someone who is licensed to do so by a state or national governing body. This licensing process requires the submission of a horse’s pedigree, which includes the sire (father) and dam (mother).

Most flat horse races are run on turf surfaces, while steeplechases are run over fences. Some races are designated as claiming races, which allow horses to be purchased and claimed by a new owner immediately after the race. This can result in owners losing control of their horses. Horses are often pumped full of cocktails of legal and illegal drugs in an attempt to mask injuries and enhance their performance. Despite these efforts, horse racing continues to be a dangerous sport for both the horses and the riders.