Horse races are competitive events between horses, often on an open track. The winner of each race is determined by which animal crosses the finish line first and various betting rules apply to this sport. Horse racing is an enjoyable spectator event but can be dangerous for the horses involved if involved in an accident with another competitor; these collisions often lead to severe injuries and even fatalities for participants; horse industry has implemented safety measures but racing still considered dangerous; animal rights activists often criticise racing events as they raise awareness of its dark side.
Horse races take place all across the globe, from local neighborhood tracks to large national or international events. Races may take place on dirt, turf, or ice tracks and span either sprint distance or long distance races. They are governed by various state and national governments; breeders, jockey clubs, track owners organize them. Different forms of racing include handicapping (based on age, sex or birthplace), claiming (whereby jockey pays claimant to win race), stakes racing (winning gives priority entry into future races) or handicapping (based on age, sex or birthplace).
Horses in horse races tend to weigh between one and 12 pounds and can reach speeds up to 50 miles per hour, reaching top speeds in some races. Horses can experience fractures, traumatic brain injury and broken legs due to overcrowding on the track as well as collisions with cars or other animals during races.
Horse racing was introduced into America during the 18th century as a form of gambling by Samuel Ogle, a Proprietary Governor in Maryland. By early 19th century state laws had taken control over horse races; these regulations required certificates of origin for horses as well as additional weight for foreign ones.
Flat racing in the United States typically takes place on dirt or synthetic surfaces and races typically range from 440 yards to two miles, often divided between sprint and long-distance events. A sprint involves fast acceleration while long distance requires stamina.
A classic succession “horse race” pits several prominent candidates against each other in an election for chief executive officer of an esteemed company. Although some executives and governance observers find this approach uncomfortable, horse races have produced some outstanding leaders at companies like General Electric, Procter & Gamble, GlaxoSmithKline and Abbott Laboratories – such as these examples from General Electric. Successful organizations employing this method cultivate an environment in which leadership team embraces competition for top roles with an understanding that ultimately the best leader will emerge.