A horse race is a contest of speed among horses that are ridden by jockeys or pulled by sulkies and driven by drivers. It is a popular sport that has been around for centuries and has developed into a multi-billion dollar industry. It is also an event that brings together people from all walks of life to watch and wager on the outcome. In some countries, racing is more than just a sport; it is a source of national pride and culture. The Melbourne Cup, for instance, is often referred to as the “race that stops a nation.”

A thoroughbred is a breed of horse that is bred for its speed and agility. The best thoroughbreds are capable of running a mile and a half or more in about two minutes, and are considered to be the fastest horses in the world. In addition to speed, the breed is characterized by its endurance, and many of the top thoroughbreds have been bred for the purpose of competition at long distances.

The early ancestors of the modern horse were domestic animals, such as cattle and goats. When the first horse races were established, they were essentially match races between just two or three horses, with simple wagers. Owners who withdrew commonly forfeited half or, later, the whole purse. These agreements were recorded by disinterested third parties, who came to be known as keepers of the match book.

A match book is a schedule of races at a given track that are offered for bettors to place wagers on. Each match book covers a short period of time, usually weeks or a month. Trainers will plan training regimens based on the match books to determine which races their horses are most likely to win.

Matchbooks are published in a variety of formats, and can be purchased at many racetracks. They are a great resource for anyone interested in betting on horse races.

A jockey’s riding skills and track record are critical to the success of a horse in a horse race. In order to improve his or her chances of winning, a rider should practice in the warmup area prior to the start of the race. This is the best way to familiarize yourself with the horses’ behavior and running style. A rider’s or driver’s relationship with the horse can also affect its performance in a race.

A horse that is hung, or running in a position well behind the leader, is unlikely to finish in the money. The jockey should be able to maintain control of the horse even when it tires, and should know when to call in the mount for a rest. A horse that is ridden out of the race, or scratched, is likely to finish last. The clubhouse turn is the part of the course that begins immediately after the finish line, and leads to the clubhouse. A race that has a clubhouse turn is generally regarded as more challenging than other races.