Horse racing is a sub-section of equestrian sports that involves two or more jockeys racing horses over a certain distance for competitions.

There are a lot of variants for horse racing; countries often develop specific horse racing rules or traditions. Some of these variations are competitions of particular breeds, racing over obstacles, running over varying distances, and running on varying gaits.

Horse racing is usually done on a turf, dirt or synthetic surface race track which is suitable for horses. 

Phar Lap racing in 1930, Melbourne Phar Lap racing in 1930, Melbourne

There are four main types of horse racing:

  • Flat racing — horses gallop directly between two points either in a straight or in an oval track, such as Thoroughbred Racing.
  • Steeplechasing — which is also known as Jump Racing, is where horses race over obstacles.
  • Harness Racing — horses trot or pace while pulling a driver in a sulky.
  • Endurance Racing — horses race across the county over extreme distances, usually it’s around 25 to 100 miles.