Horse races are competitions in which horses are ridden and bet upon by spectators, making it one of the oldest sports ever enjoyed across civilizations. Historically, four-hitched chariot races and mounted bareback races first made an appearance at Olympic Games 700 BC as four-hitched chariot races or mounted bareback races; after this, horse racing became an established activity across Asia and Europe where it remains popular today; some people claim that horses are mistreated during races while others believe increased awareness regarding animal cruelty is making racing better conditions overall for racing participants and horses involved.
Before each race begins, horses are paraded through a paddock area at a track where they are saddled, weighed by officials, and then mounted into starting gates by jockeys, or riders. After a specified number of furlongs (one eighth miles), winners are determined based on which horse crosses the finish line first; winning prizes often include trophies or purses while runners-up receive smaller awards or less money (e.g. Royal Ascot Gold Cup run over 21/2-mile (4-kilometer).
The Triple Crown of Thoroughbred horse racing is widely considered the premier event in American horseracing, consisting of three distinct events held over five months: Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes. Each race provides its own distinct challenge – Kentucky Derby winners receive $1 Million while runners-up at Preakness Stakes or Belmont Stakes are each given $100,000 while third placers at each are awarded $50 000 as prize.
To participate in horse races, owners must first register with the racing office and submit an Entry Blank or Application with information such as their name, address and veterinary records. They also need a current negative Coggins test as well as official pictures of their horses; lastly they will pay the registration fee.
Once entry process is completed, an owner may purchase a running horse in a “claiming race” at an agreed-upon price. Claiming races involve substantial risk as the previous owner keeps all purse money for this race while their new buyer assumes liability for performance of his or her horse; original owners retain betting rights over their horse, however.
Long shots in horse racing are known as long shots. A bet on them can yield huge returns, with loud cheers echoing around the racetrack when someone selects one as their winner. Some scholars who research elections and news coverage assert that this form of journalism – known as horse race journalism – distracts reporters from covering issues relevant to voters, candidates, or the news industry.