What is a Horse Race?What is a Horse Race?
A horse race is a close competition between horses that may be run either on the ground or over hurdles. A horse must have a turn of foot, or the ability to accelerate quickly, and endurance to win a long distance race. The term is often used in political contexts to refer to a close contest, but can also be applied to other sports, such as boxing.
The sport of horse racing involves the breeding, training and running of Thoroughbred (or “American” or “Breeds”) horses for competition at a variety of racetracks around the world. The sport is regulated internationally, with long-term policy largely controlled by the Jockey Club in England and locally in some nations by racing commissions. The sport generates a significant amount of revenue in many nations, which is typically shared between the racing industry and taxpayers through taxes and governmental subsidies. The monies help fund jobs, breeding and rural economies, and improve track conditions. If horse racing were to close down, those benefits would disappear.
Most horse races are contested over flat distances of up to four miles (6.4 km). A horse’s speed is important, but it is equally necessary for the animal to have the stamina to last the race’s full length. The earliest flat races were match contests between two or at most three horses, but increased demand by the public led to events with larger fields of runners.
Historically, horse races were contested over simple obstacles like rails or wooden jumps. In the modern era, however, sophisticated padded hurdles have been introduced, which absorb some of the shock caused by jumping over the obstacles and increase safety for both horses and jockeys. These new barriers also allow jockeys to use more advanced riding techniques, such as sitting deep in the saddle and using the whip as a bridle to control the horse and influence its movement.
Because they are prey animals, horses love to run. Running fast comes naturally to them, but winning a race is a human construct that doesn’t appeal to wild horses, which prefer to run as a pack and keep each other safe. Many race horses, especially those in high-stakes races, are pushed beyond their limits and often suffer from injuries or illnesses that can be fatal to the animals. They are often treated with cocktails of legal and illegal drugs, including steroids and diuretics.
Although there is an increasing emphasis on animal welfare in racing, the sport retains many of its storied traditions and continues to capture the imagination of millions of fans who are drawn by its ceremonial pageantry and love for the majestic creatures themselves. With better track surfaces, improved veterinary care and a renewed focus on safety, racing authorities around the world are working to improve the sport in ways that will benefit both horse and human.