A horse race is a contest of speed among horses that are either ridden by jockeys or pulled by sulkies and their drivers. The race is usually held on a dirt or turf racing surface and is governed by a set of rules and regulations. It is considered a sport and a form of gambling. A horse’s performance is based on its physical abilities and its trainer’s ability to guide it through the most difficult situations and to win the race.

A race in which horses are assigned a weight designed to equalize their winning chances is called a handicap. The weights are determined by a number of factors, including the age and sex of a horse, its previous performances and its training. Some of the most prestigious races are handicaps, and they offer the biggest purses.

The horse racing world is currently trying to deal with a severe decline in participation. Many would-be fans are turned off by horse-racing scandals over doping and safety. In addition, other forms of gambling have become more popular and horse racing has lost the majority of its old customers.

In an attempt to boost interest in the sport, racetracks have stepped up security measures on and off the track. Thermal imaging cameras can detect when a horse is overheating after a race, and MRI scanners and X-rays can pick up a host of minor or major health conditions. 3D printing allows for the production of splints and casts to assist in treating injured or ailing horses.

As the election approaches, it’s starting to feel less like a horse race and more like a nailbiter. The polls have tightened and the two main candidates are engaging in a high-stakes game of expectations management. The stakes are particularly high in swing states. And with the cost of campaigning on the rise, both candidates are looking to maximize their returns in this tight horse race.

In order to help horses develop the necessary endurance for a long race, trainers will often take them on an extensive workout routine. These workouts can include galloping, jogging and walking. The horse’s exercise program can also be augmented by the use of various medications. These can include painkillers, sedatives and even blood doping agents. Historically, these drugs have been used in an attempt to improve a horse’s performance and to prepare them for the rigors of a long race.

In the past, trainers were allowed to use a wide variety of medications and illegal drugs in order to enhance their horses’ ability to run. But the advent of powerful new painkillers and sex-enhancing hormones made doping a serious problem in the industry. Combined with the inability of racing officials to keep up with the availability of the latest drugs and the weak enforcement of penalties for breaking the rules, doping became rampant. The use of illegal drugs in horse racing is now widespread and a significant reason for the decline in popularity of the sport.