Horse races are events in which horses compete against one another for a prize, dating back centuries to early civilizations. While its rules and traditions have seen some modifications over time, most remain unchanged today. More recently, however, technological advances and animal cruelty concerns have brought about reform to this sport that promises to have lasting ramifications on it going forward.

Early racing races consisted of match races between two or three horses owned by different owners; bettors placed their money on which horse would win, with purses provided by owners and an organized betting calendar known as a condition book that listed each track’s races over an extended period. Early compilers of such condition books were known as keepers; their publications became commonly referred to as books.

The book also detailed the types of races available at each track and entry requirements for them. Conditions races tend to offer the largest purses; eligibility restrictions often include age, sex, race won and money earned by horses; other races called handicap races assign a weight according to each horse’s abilities.

At the mid-1770s, demand for horse racing started to increase and new rules were set into motion. By the end of the century, races were open to both private owners and members of the public alike, with eligibility based on age, sex, birthplace, race wins and other criteria.

By the middle of the 20th century, trainers began using medications designed for human use on their horses as an attempt to improve performance. Painkillers, anti-inflammatories and other medications were administered both prior and post race – which confused racing officials, who did not possess enough testing capacity.

Not only were drugs being administered to horses during training sessions, but these muddy tracks weren’t properly prepared or maintained either – leading to their rapid wear-and-tear, injuries or even deaths. This caused great strain for their wellbeing.

Recent technological developments have had an enormous impact on horse racing, both on and off of the track. Thermal imaging cameras, MRI scanners and other medical devices are now essential parts of trainers’ toolbox to prevent injury, illness or accidents – while 3D printing has become an invaluable way of creating casts or splints to aid horses recovering from injuries or illnesses. Although horse racing has made use of many of these advancements to its benefit, fans and revenue still continue to be lost from fan loyalty issues and revenue loss issues.