Horse racing has been a staple of sport in the Western world for many centuries. This sports has evolved from a small, informal contest of speed to a massive public entertainment business. In recent years, however, horse racing’s popularity has been declining. Several factors have contributed to this trend. The advent of the Internet, advances in electronics monitoring equipment, and new drugs have all impacted the sport. The advent of 3D printing has helped to create prosthetics for injured horses, while MRI scanners are used to detect minor health conditions. But there are still other important changes. Aside from the technological advances, one of the most significant changes is the increase in safety. Races are now organized to ensure that runners aren’t hurt or injured. Thermal imaging cameras are also used to detect overheating horses. X-rays and endoscopes can be used to spot major health conditions before they get out of hand. While the rules for race eligibility and prize money may vary, most national horse racing organizations share a rulebook. This rulebook is based on the British Horseracing Authority’s rulebook, which was compiled and published by the Horseracing Regulatory Authority (HRA). In the 18th century, standardized races called King’s Plates began. The first King’s Plate was a four-mile heat for six-year-olds carrying 168 pounds. After the Civil War, the average amount of money earned per race became a focus, as were stamina and speed. By the middle of the 19th century, the English classic race had become an international event. This series of races was standardized and grew into a triple crown. Since the 1860s, the Melbourne Cup has been the most important race in the Southern Hemisphere. Other races in the Southern Hemisphere include the Sydney Cup and the Durban July. Some of the biggest purses are offered for the prestigious races. They include the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and the Gran Premio Clasico Simon Bolivar in Venezuela, the Emperor’s Cup and the Santa Anita Handicap in Japan, and the Caulfield Cup and the Sydney Cup in Australia. In the United States, the classic horse race is the Kentucky Derby. A group of mostly working class men gather to watch the race from the banks of TVs in the bowels of the grandstand. If you happen to be lucky enough to witness the race, you’ll be treated to a parade of tawny-colored horses and their jockeys, as well as a spirited celebration of horses’ victory. The American Triple Crown is made up of the Belmont Stakes, the Kentucky Derby, and the Preakness. These three classic races are the most coveted races in the world, and the winners receive a purse of almost a million dollars. However, the American Thoroughbred’s greatest achievement is stamina. In the United Kingdom, the Queen Elizabeth and the King George VI stakes are considered part of the British Triple Crown. Meanwhile, the Melbourne Cup and the Sydney Cup are in Australia, and the Gran Premio Internacional Carlos Pellegrini is in Argentina.