racehorse

A racehorse is a horse bred and trained for competitive racing. The most common racehorse is the Thoroughbred, selected for speed, stamina, and soundness over a prescribed distance in flat racing. Other racing types include Standardbreds used in harness racing and American Quarter Horses known for short-distance sprints.

Racing is conducted on dirt, turf, or synthetic tracks and spans several formats. Flat racing features races over various distances; National Hunt or jumps racing includes obstacles such as fences and ditches; harness racing uses a sulky driven by a jockey; endurance racing covers longer-distance events in which pace and resilience are tested.

Training emphasizes conditioning, nutrition, veterinary care, and gradual exposure to workouts. Many jurisdictions begin racing as two-year-olds, with competitive careers typically lasting several seasons. When finished racing, horses may become broodmares or stallions, or transition to riding, dressage, or other equestrian activities.

Welfare concerns address injuries, medication, soundness, and humane retirement. Regulators set rules on track safety, licensing, medication limits, and anti-doping, while welfare groups promote responsible training and alternatives for retired racehorses.

Governing bodies include the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities, as well as national regulators such as the Jockey Club in the United States and the British Horseracing Authority in Britain. Major races and prize structures vary by country, reflecting local traditions and regulatory frameworks.