Here's why:
* Horse breed and training: Some breeds, like Thoroughbreds, are bred for speed, while others are built for endurance. Training significantly impacts how fast a horse can run.
* Race distance: Horses will run at different speeds over short distances (like sprints) compared to longer distances (like marathons).
* Track conditions: The surface of the track (dirt, turf, etc.) and its condition (dry, wet, etc.) affect speed.
* Individual horse's ability: Like humans, horses have individual talents and abilities. Some are naturally faster than others.
That being said, here's some information:
* Top speed: A racehorse's top speed can reach 44 mph (71 km/h) in short bursts. However, they can't maintain that speed for long.
* Average speed: During a race, a horse's average speed is typically much lower, around 30-35 mph (48-56 km/h).
To understand a horse's speed in a particular race, you need to look at the race results. These will often include the horse's time for the race, which can then be used to calculate its average speed over the distance.