Solution to rank the 25 horses puzzle

We group the 25 horses in 5 groups each containing 5 horses.In each of first five races we will rank each five horsesA, B,C,D and E ( A : fastest and E: slowest) in the group.

   1A    1B    1C   1D   1E
  2A    2B    2C   2D   2E
  3A    3B    3C   3D   3E
  4A    4B    4C   4D   4E
  5A    5B    5C   5D   5E

In the sixth race ( among the first of each group) we will get the fastest horse and rank these five horses 1A,2A,3A,4A & 5A (1A : fastest and 5A slowest)
Similarly .just select the fastest of the remaining horses from each row for the race.

Now we have got the fastest horse 1A and will also set nomenclature for each horses.
The fastest of the remaining horses in the row will take part.For e.g. the seventh race will be between 1B & 2A (no need to run 3A,4A & 5A)for determining
2nd fastest horse.

The 8th race will determine the third place and it will be between 1C and 2B ( in case 1B wins 7th race) or among 1B,2B & 3A ( in case 2A wins 7th race).

The 9th race will determine the 4th place and the 10th race will determine 5th place.

And moving on 25 th race will determine 20th place.The 26th race will tel the remaining 5 ranks.

—