Horse racing is a sport where prize money and prestige matter more than horses’ performance, which explains its immense appeal among wealthy individuals, particularly those willing to place large bets on races. Horse racing also serves as entertainment for millions of spectators who attend or watch them via TV – hence the term horse race being used broadly to refer to any type of competition in close quarters.
Racing’s flagship events tend to be among the world’s most prestigious and lucrative, such as the US Grand Prix’s prize pool of over $12 Million; luxury brand sponsors participate and its high prize fund makes it one of the world’s most lucrative events.
The British race, in contrast, is famous for its lavishly decorated stalls and tradition of extravagant hats. Meanwhile, Kentucky Derby stands out with spectators wearing extravagant hats while sipping mint juleps – both events have established global followings thanks to their style and glamour that attract millions of fans each year.
When selecting the top horse races around the world, other key considerations must also be kept in mind. First and foremost is track size and horse age – as older horses will tend to perform better according to speed figures than their younger counterparts. Furthermore, track surface can have an effect on performance.
Dirt tracks often offer more of a “punch” than their turf track counterparts, creating faster horses on dirt tracks than on turf tracks.
As part of their overall ranking, it’s also essential to take into account how many starts a horse has had. A more experienced competitor could give an advantage in terms of maturity over his or her peers, which could affect its final position in the rankings.
An important factor is a horse’s breeding history and breeding. A well-bred animal tends to be stronger and more balanced, and more likely to win races than its less well-bred counterpart.
Body forms of horses are determined by both training and their treatment in racing. For instance, long striding horses tend to finish ahead of shorter ones in races; so when selecting their horses it’s wise for racers to factor in these factors when making their selection decision.
Growing public consciousness of the dark side of horse racing is decreasing participation rates; yet some positive changes have taken place within the industry, including improved track conditions and veterinary care that is helping protect horses’ health. Unfortunately, however, many horses still face abuse or slaughter that has lasting psychological repercussions for both mental and physical wellbeing. Yet in spite of all its challenges horse racing remains part of human culture with many of its timeless traditions being upheld: from ceremonial pageantry at major events to passion for individual horses themselves being an enduring element in human culture.