Horse racing is a sport steeped in tradition and rich with culture. From ancient chariot races to modern-day events like the Kentucky Derby and Royal Ascot, horse racing enthralls spectators worldwide for its elegance and spectacle. But behind the glamorous façade of race day is a world of injuries, drug abuse, gruesome breakdowns and slaughter.
The sport of horse racing is governed in different ways by different nations. In some cases, the government owns the tracks and horses while in others, the sport is regulated by state or national racing commissions. In all cases, the horse is at the heart of the sport and is the subject of betting wagers that have been a long-standing tradition.
Most horse races are open to all entrants, but some have “conditions,” or eligibility requirements. For example, an allowance race may be restricted to horses that haven’t won a certain type of race or haven’t run since a particular date. Other conditions include age, sex, birthplace, and previous performance. In addition, claiming races allow authorized owners to “claim” a horse, meaning they can buy it for a set price before the race is held. If the owner wins, they receive whatever money the horse earns in the race plus the claiming price. If they don’t win, they lose the horse.
In addition to the conditions a horse must meet to be eligible for a race, other factors influence its performance, including its position on the starting line (called the inside barrier), the jockey or driver, and training. During warmups, onlookers can observe a horse’s behavior and running style to gauge its likelihood of winning the race.
Before the actual race begins, each entrant is assigned a weight to carry that will affect its chance of finishing first or last. The weights are determined by a combination of factors, including age, sex, and race history. The heavier the weight, the more difficult it is for a horse to finish at the top of its division.
Throughout the course of a race, a horse is evaluated by its jockey or trainer and its trainer’s assistant. Each of these individuals must perform at their best to ensure the success of the horse, which requires a high level of skill. Often, the race will be interrupted by veterinarians and farriers who check the condition of the horse, administer medications, or perform other necessary maintenance on the horse.
While horse races are exciting for those in the stands, the sport is not good for the horses themselves. Pushed beyond their limits, they are prone to injuries and breakdowns and suffer from a variety of other health issues, such as pulmonary hemorrhages (bleeding in the lungs) and mental illness. The racing industry uses cocktails of legal and illegal drugs to mask these injuries, disguise pain, and enhance performance. In addition, on average, two jockeys die and sixty are paralyzed each year. Despite this, the horse racing industry continues to thrive.