Horse racing is a sport with a storied past that has entranced spectators for centuries. Today the industry is a billion-dollar enterprise and has evolved into a worldwide spectacle that features sophisticated electronic monitoring equipment and massive sums of money at stake, but its fundamental concept remains the same: a contest of speed and stamina between two horses. But behind the glitz and glamour is an underlying story of cruelty that persists despite repeated attempts at reform.
The world of horse racing is a brutal one for the animals that are subjected to it. The animals are bred to be racers, then confined to small stables, often on crowded and dusty farms. Their lives are filled with constant stress, and they are forced to run on hard-packed dirt tracks at high speeds. The sport is rife with animal abuse and addiction, and most racehorses end up at slaughterhouses after their careers are over. Jockeys, too, are at risk, and they suffer higher rates of mental health problems and injuries than most elite athletes.
In addition to the physical pain and suffering inflicted on horses, the industry is riddled with corruption and a culture of racism that is pervasive among some trainers and owners. Despite this, many people continue to support the sport because it’s fun and exciting. Whether you’re looking to wager on the favorite or just enjoy the equestrian culture, a day at the races can be a memorable experience for all.
A term that has been used since the 17th century, a horse race is an event in which the winner is determined by whose horse crosses the finish line first. The horse must be ridden and guided by a jockey, or rider, who is strapped to the animal’s back. A harness is used to secure the horse and ensure that the horse does not buck or bolt during the race.
Races can be held at various distances, and eligibility rules are established based on the age, sex, birthplace and previous performance of a horse. A popular handicapping ranking system assigns a numerical value to each runner based on track conditions and their finishing times. A race may also be designated as a claiming race, which allows licensed racehorse owners to purchase a running runner for a predetermined amount of money.
A growing number of journalists and scholars are criticizing the horse race metaphor for political contests, arguing that the mudslinging, name calling, attack ads and other political theater can obscure the actual issues at hand in an election. They argue that when the news media focuses solely on who will win – what they call “horse race journalism” – voters, candidates and the industry suffer.