An equestrian based sport involving 2 or more horses and jockeys, though sometimes the horses can be driven to race without jockeys, over a given distance for the sake of sport. The concept is basic, it’s a race simple as that, and the history of the sport itself dates back to ancient times. Many countries and regions have their own traditions surrounding the sport which may restrict breed, distance, obstacles and even the surface they race takes place on.
While horse racing can sometimes be a purely athletic endeavour it would not be so popular or so well-funded if it were not for the gambling aspect. In 2008 gambling on horse races garnered $115 billion globally.