Horse Racing Basic Rules For Kids

Horse Racing Rules

Horses run around an oval track with a rider on their back.

The rider of the horse is called a jockey.

Each horse will start the race from their stall in a starting gate.

Once the starting gate doors spring open, the race begins.

Every horse in the race is assigned a number, worn over its back, to identify it.

The first horse to cross the finish line is the winner.

Races can be run on dirt or grass.

Races can be run in short, medium or long distances.

The shortest races run are about a  ½ mile.

The longest races can take place over 1 ½ miles.

There are safety rules the jockey must follow or else their horse can be disqualified.

The races have a cash prize awarded to the owner(s) of the winning horse.

The owner(s) of the horses that finish 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th also receive smaller cash prizes.