The World of Horse RaceThe World of Horse Race
Horse race, a sport in which Thoroughbred horses compete against one another, has long been a favorite with sports enthusiasts and those who bet on races. The industry promotes the sport with romanticized images of jockeys and spectators sipping mint juleps at grand racetracks. But behind the veil of glamour is a world of injuries, drug abuse, and gruesome breakdowns. The most common cause of death for a horse racing animal is cardiovascular collapse, followed by pulmonary hemorrhage (bleeding out from the lungs), shattered legs, broken necks, and head trauma. Many dead racing animals are so badly injured that only skin keeps them alive.
The equine athletes that compete in horse races are subjected to an array of drugs and stimulants to mask pain, reduce bleeding, and increase performance. The sport is also rife with superstitions and long-held traditions, including the use of certain colors, wearing special hats, and following rituals believed to bring luck before and during races. Standing in the winner’s circle, a ceremonial area for winning jockeys and trainers, is viewed as a mark of prestige and success.
While horse racing’s popularity is at an all-time high, the industry faces numerous challenges that could jeopardize the safety and well-being of the sport’s athletes. The health and welfare of horses is a major concern, and racing authorities are implementing stricter rules to protect the animals.
In order to be competitive, horses are forced to run at speeds too fast for them to physically handle. They suffer from numerous injuries, most often from falls and collisions with other horses or the track itself. The sport is also riddled with illegal and questionable practices, such as the use of whips, which can injure horses by causing them to lose their balance and become disoriented. Despite efforts to improve animal welfare, horse racing remains a dangerous and inhumane enterprise.
Unlike most other sports, horse racing’s athletes are not allowed to rest during their careers. Instead, they are forced to make a minimum of 40 starts per year, which results in a staggering amount of injuries and illness. The veterinary care and nutritional requirements of the animals are subpar, and many horses are not fully recovered from their injuries before they are returned to the races.
Despite these issues, many people still enjoy watching the sport. The thrill of a horse race is enough to draw in millions of fans around the world. Whether they attend small local tracks or watch the events on television, audiences are drawn to the taut competition of horse racing and want to know how their favorite horses will fare. While some journalism organizations and critics have called for an end to horse race coverage, other observers have suggested ways in which news outlets can incorporate the sport more effectively into their news agendas. For example, journalist Ed Kilgore has urged that opinion polls be removed from horse race coverage and replaced with a more informative focus on candidates’ policy proposals and qualifications.