A horse race is a competition in which horses are raced on a specified course over a set distance. Depending on the race, there will be a designated amount of money to be awarded to the first, second and third finishers in order to encourage participation and increase interest. The sport of horse racing is regulated by national and international rules that govern the conduct of races. These rules are determined by the National Horseracing Authority, and although some countries may have different rulebooks, they are generally very similar.
There are a number of different pieces of equipment that can be used to improve the performance of a horse while competing in a race. These include blinkers, which are hoods that limit the horse’s ability to see its opponents around it. These can help a horse to stay focused and can also prevent a horse from being knocked off balance by another runner in front of it. Calks, which are cleat-like projections on the back shoes, can be worn to help a horse grip muddy surfaces.
The shoulder is an area on the neck that forms the angle between the humerus and the scapula, allowing the forelegs to reach out and produce an even rhythm. A well-defined and rounded shoulder area can increase a horse’s speed and allow it to carry more weight while racing.
A horse that is prone to climbing during a race holds its head high and does not move its forelegs as quickly as it should. This is usually caused by dirt kicked in the face of the horse during a race and can compromise its stride. A horse that climbs frequently is known as a closer.
Injuries are a common problem for horses and can affect their running form or even lead to death. One of the most serious injuries is colic, which can be caused by a twist or obstruction in the stomach. Another common injury is a fetlock fracture, which occurs when the two small bones in the back of the fetlock joint break or crack. The most common types of fetlock fractures are apical, abaxial and basilar.
Other important terms to know while watching a horse race are a photo finish and a dead heat. A photo finish is where horses cross the line at the same time and it is up to a panel of stewards to determine who has won the race. If a steward judges that it is impossible to decide who won the race, it will be settled according to dead heat rules.
A race in which horses are entered subject to a claim (paid for by another person) is referred to as a claim race. The race secretary assigns a weight to each horse that is designed to equalize their chances of winning and this can be based on a variety of factors, including track records and class level. The horses are then divided into a number of divisions known as handicaps and the race is run accordingly.