A horse race is a contest of speed between horses that are either ridden by jockeys or pulled in sulkies by their drivers. The competition is fierce, and the outcome is often decided by a hair’s breadth. The sport is a favorite pastime for millions of Americans, and the horse races are often broadcast on national television.

In addition to the usual races, many of America’s tracks have other events that add to the excitement and spectacle of a day at the races. The most common of these is the Breeders’ Cup, a series of five races that feature some of the best thoroughbreds in the world. This event is a spectacle and draws huge crowds, but it also serves as an excellent test for the best racing talent in the world.

The most common problem that a horse can experience during a race is an injury. One study has found that one in every 22 horses suffer an injury that prevents it from finishing a race. Some injuries are minor, while others can be catastrophic. Among the most serious is a ruptured spleen, which can be deadly. Another is a fractured sesamoids, a set of small bones (medial and lateral) in the back of the fetlock joint. This fracture can be caused by hitting the fetlock against a fence, or by stepping on something in front of the horse.

Horses can also lose their stride, which causes them to slow down, or buck. These problems can be exacerbated by a track with bad footing, which is often the case at Santa Anita. The sloppy surface of the track has prompted many owners to take their horses elsewhere, and this has led to a reduction in the number of races held at the facility.

One of the most important things that a trainer can do is make sure his or her horses are as fit as possible before a race. This means ensuring the horses are well hydrated, and that they are not overworked. A tired horse is more likely to be injured, and can even die during a race.

In order to ensure the safety of all participants, all horses must be weighed before and after each race. This is done to determine whether a horse has a weight advantage or disadvantage over its competitors. A jockey must be weighed in full gear, including his or her hat.

A visor is a type of headgear that limits a horse’s rearward vision, allowing it to focus on the front of the course. A visor is similar to blinkers, but differs in that it has a slit in the eye cups. Both visors and blinkers are designed to help a horse concentrate more effectively, so that it is able to achieve the fastest possible time in a race.