I work in professional horse racing and set the odds for horses!
I see, horse racing is one of the most ancient sports!
Is it really?  How far back does it go?
I imagine it would go back as far as we have been riding horses! In the broadest sense, it involves two or more horses ridden by jockeys over a set distance
You are right.  Humans seem to always be competing at something, why not horses.  What is the most prestigious horse race?
There are prestigious horse races in many countries. Gambling is what really sets horse racing apart from other sports though. It generated a $115 billion worldwide market in 2008
Wow!  I had no idea there was that much money in the sport!  If that was back in 2008, imagine what it is now in 2018!
I'm sure it has grown! Horse racing varies widely in format and across countries
It does seem like a sport that would be quite universal across different culture.  Don't you agree?
races to particular breeds, running over obstacles, running over different distances, running on different track surfaces and running in different gaits.
While horses are sometimes raced purely for sport, a major part of horse racing's interest and economic importance is in the gambling associated with it, an activity that in 2008 generated a worldwide market worth around US$115 billion.
History.
Horse racing has a long and distinguished history and has been practised in civilisations across the world since ancient times. Archaeological records indicate that horse racing
Connections to horse racing and training.
Racing at Newmarket has been dated as far back as 1174, making it the earliest known racing venue of post-classical times. King James I (reigned 1603–1625) greatly increased the popularity of horse racing there, and King Charles I followed this by inaugurating the first cup race in 1634. The Jockey Club's clubhouse is in Newmarket, though its administration is based in London.
Connections to horse racing and training Stables and training industry.
Around 3,000 race horses are stabled