What is a Horse Race?

A horse race is a contest of speed and stamina between two or more horses. It is one of the oldest sports and has undergone virtually no change in its basic concept over the centuries. But beneath its romanticized facade of fancy outfits and mint juleps lies a world of drugs, injuries, gruesome breakdowns, and slaughter. The sport also requires that horses be bred and raised specifically for racing. The pedigree of a horse, or its family tree, is one of the most important factors in determining whether or not it will be able to compete successfully in a race.

The top four finishers in a horse race are considered “placed” (or “shown”). Place bets are made by placing a wager on the first, second, third or fourth horse to cross the finish line. The number of places paid out depends on the size of the field in the race. For example, a race with eight or more runners pays out three places. Betting to show is a common wager in Europe but not as prevalent in the United States.

A runner must be of a certain breed to be eligible to race and has to have a pedigree that proves it. The horse’s sire and dam must be purebred members of the same breed as the runner. The horse must be a member of the same breed to race in steeplechases, where jumping over obstacles is a major component of the game.

In flat races, or those that take place on a paved surface, a horse is expected to run at a brisk pace. This is called the “pace.” The horse may be a galloper, which is bred for speed, or a trotter, which is bred for stamina.

When a horse is not running at a brisk pace, it is said to have broken its stride. To avoid breaking their stride, most trotters wear hobbles, which are straps that connect the horse’s front and back legs on each side to help prevent them from pulling each other off balance. Pacers, on the other hand, do not wear hobbles.

An elite group of racing officials & handicappers from five continents compile the annual ratings which denote the best horses in each distance category, sprint or mile, turf or dirt and fillies & mares. The ratings are based on the performances of the horses in elite races over a designated period and also takes into account the quality of opposition they have faced.

Although there are critics of horse race polls, their use is not only longstanding but also protected by the freedoms of speech and press. Those who argue that news outlets need to do less horse race journalism and more serious reporting might be able to find some support from media scholars who study elections and the effect of news coverage on people’s decisions. But the majority of American voters would probably disagree. They might like to see a few more quick horse race polls and fewer debates.

Top 5 Hong Kong Pools

Swimming is a great exercise that can help keep your body healthy and happy. It can also be a fun activity to do with the kids. So to help you cool off in the hot Hong Kong weather, here’s a list of the best hk pools.

Originally opened in 1989 as part of the redevelopment and expansion of Kowloon Park, this swimming pool is a public facility managed by LCSD. With the dissolution of the Urban Council and Regional Council at the end of 2000, operations of all public pools were taken up by the newly formed Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD). As a matter of practice, LCSD has been including heated swimming pools in new swimming pool complexes to encourage year-round swimming habits.

A popular destination for local swimmers and families alike, the Tai Po Swimming Pool is a favourite for both laps and play. With a main pool, diving and leisure pools as well as a kid’s and toddler’s pool, this pool is a busy one during the weekday mornings.

The indoor natatorium at the University of Nebraska Omaha is the on-campus practice and competition venue for its swimming and diving team. The 50-meter pool is equipped with a Colorado Timing System and can seat up to 800 spectators in its upstairs seating area. The pool is also the host site for numerous local swim meets and training sessions.

This is a great pool for laps as it has a separate section for adults and children. There is also a large water slide for the little ones, which makes it a great option for families with young kids.

This outdoor pool is a hidden gem tucked away between Happy Valley, Causeway Bay and Wan Chai. The main pool is a nice size and has plenty of lounge chairs to relax on. However, it does not have the same bells and whistles as some of the other pools. The only drawback to this pool is that it does not have a cafe, so be sure to bring a snack and drinks with you.

At 211 metres above sea level, the rooftop pool at W Hong Kong is quite literally in the clouds! A visit to this pool is not only refreshing but also offers some of the best views in Hong Kong. Non-hotel guests can purchase a weekly or daily pass to use the pool.

Be sure to check the opening hours of each pool before you head out as some may be closed for cleaning or maintenance on certain days. You can find out the exact schedule by checking the LCSD website. Additionally, be sure to take a coin with you as some of the pools require a deposit to enter. This coin is refundable and drops into a slot on the inside of the locker, making it easy to retrieve your belongings. Lastly, be prepared for crowds as some of these pools are very popular during the hot summer months.