Horse races have a rich and storied history and played an important part in the development of civilizations around the world, from ancient Greece to Babylon to Syria. They are also woven into mythology, including the contest between Odin’s steed Hrungnir and the giants. The sport is still practiced in many cultures today, but it is also undergoing an era of transformation that includes technological innovations to improve race safety and to help injured or sick horses heal faster.
A horse race is a competitive running event held on a track for a prize. In a thoroughbred race, competitors attempt to win a purse of money by betting on the winning horse. A race may be a flat race, in which horses run on a straight course over short distances, or a steeplechase, in which the horses jump obstacles. The sport has a long history, but it is often controversial because of allegations that it promotes gambling addiction and is associated with animal cruelty.
A race begins with a parade of horses to the paddock (the section at the track where the horses are saddled). The horses are then saddled by their jockeys, who ride them into the starting gate. An official then identifies the horses and marks the course, indicating which direction they are to travel. The first horse to cross the finish line wins the race and the prize money. Those who finish second and third receive smaller amounts. Typically, horses start in flat races as juveniles, then move on to hurdling and, if they are deemed capable, begin steeplechases at age three or four.
While the majority of trainers, assistant trainers, jockeys, drivers, caretakers and veterinarians are dedicated to treating their horses in a humane manner, the industry still has a significant problem with abuse that goes unchecked for too long. Some trainers use drugs to give their horses an edge, and despite the fact that the alleged behavior goes on decade after decade, it is difficult to change the status quo within the racing industry because too many insiders equate real reform with bad publicity for their sport.
Another major problem is the lack of a comprehensive, fully funded, industry-sponsored wraparound aftercare solution for all ex-racehorses, who hemorrhage into the slaughter pipeline after they stop racing and are then left to fend for themselves with a Facebook post and a window of time in which to be “bailed.” If horse racing hopes to regain public favor, it should address these issues, not dodge them. For the sake of Eight Belles, Medina Spirit, Keepthename and the thousands of other equine athletes who have lost their lives in this for-profit enterprise, it is time to do something about this.
