Horse racing has been a popular sport since time immemorial. There is evidence of horse racing even in the prehistoric times. Horse racing was a sport popularized by the kings in ancient times. Enjoying horse races was one of the favorite pastimes of the kings. In modern times too, horse racing is quite popular in many countries. Modern day racing started in England. In the USA, the popularity of horse racing is second only to Baseball. It is also flourishing professional sport in countries like Britain, Canada, Australia, Germany, and New Zealand. Horse racing generates huge amounts of revenue throughout the world. It is often associated with gambling and is popular as a form of legalized gambling. Betting on horses is a common feature in most of the countries across the world.

Over the years, horse racing industry has grown from strength to strength. It is patronized by many wealthy industrialists and businessmen across the world. This has provided the necessary impetus to the industry. With more and more people pumping money into horse racing, the revenue generated by this spectator sport is enormous. This has enabled the horse breeders to breed better and better horses so that the races become faster and more exciting. Horse racing has become highly professionalized. There is a huge amount of money involved in the sport. Horse racing is a thriving industry in many European countries like Italy, the UK, and Ireland. In the USA, horse racing attracts millions of spectators to the venues across the country. Of late, horse racing has also gained popularity in many Asian countries. Hong Kong is one of the prime locations for horse racing in Asia. Other Asian countries like Japan, India etc too have taken horse racing seriously and regular races take place in these countries throughout the year.

Betting in the favorite horses generate a large amount of money for horse racing. Betting is banned in many countries. But it is a thriving industry in many other countries. A horse rider is often termed as a “jockey”. Horse racing can sometimes be fatal for the jockeys. Many jockeys have lost their lives getting trampled by their horses. In a race, the horse has to jump over obstacles which are kept on the race track. If the horse is not able to jump properly, it may trip and fall thereby throwing the rider into the ground and causing serious injury, and sometimes death.  

Equestrian is also an Olympic sport. But this sport does not have the glamour of professional horse racing. Amateur horse racing does not attract the crowds. It does not generate any revenue as well. Spectators prefer to enjoy horse races and earn some extra cash as well. Majority of the spectators invest their hard earned money in horse racing hoping to get rich instantly.