What is a furlong in horse racing?

In horse racing, a furlong is a unit of measurement equivalent to 1/8th of a mile, or 220 yards. It is commonly used to measure the distance of a race, with most horse races in the United States being conducted on tracks that are either one mile or shorter in length.

The term "furlong" dates back to the Roman Empire when it was used to measure long distances. In horse racing, a typical race may be run over a distance of 5 furlongs (5/8ths of a mile), 6 furlongs (3/4 of a mile), 1 mile, or longer distances such as 1 1/4 miles, 1 1/2 miles, or even longer in some races like the Kentucky Derby or the Belmont Stakes.

Jockeys and trainers must consider the distance of the race and the stamina of their horse when determining race strategies and tactics. Horses that excel at short distances like sprints may not have the endurance necessary to compete in longer races, and vice versa. The ability to perform well at a certain distance can be a critical factor in the success of a racehorse.