The sport of horse racing has a proud tradition of excitement, pageantry and equestrian skill. But a dark side lurks in its corners, and growing awareness of this darkness threatens to bring it down. This article looks at the issues in horse racing, including drugs, overbreeding, abuse and the slaughter of racehorses. It also discusses the impact that PETA’s investigations and undercover video have had on the industry.

A horse race is a contest in which horses try to be the first to cross the finish line. If they do so, they win the race. There are a number of different ways in which a horse race can be run, depending on the country in which it is being held and the rules that govern the race. For example, some races are decided by a photo finish, which is where the stewards examine a photograph of the finish to decide who came in first place. Other races are settled by the dead heat rule, where two or more horses cross the finish line simultaneously.

While horse races are an exciting event for those watching, they can be dangerous for the participants. Injuries in horse racing are not uncommon, and some injuries can even be fatal for the animals. Approximately three thoroughbreds die every day from catastrophic injuries sustained during races. These injuries are caused by a variety of reasons, including the use of tight fitting racing equipment, poor track conditions and excessive speeds.

One of the most common injuries that horses suffer from is a pulled suspensory ligament, which happens when a horse’s fetlock ligament becomes damaged during a race or workout. This condition is a serious problem for the horse, as it can lead to permanent loss of motion in that limb. The injury can also cause the horse to be unable to compete in future races.

It is important to note that horse racing has a large number of regulations in place to ensure the safety of its athletes. However, these regulations are not always adhered to, and the sport is still plagued by an array of problems. The main issue is that many racehorses are drugged or mistreated before they are allowed to compete. This is often due to poor training practices, which include overworking young horses and administering powerful painkillers to prepare them for the rigors of the racetrack. Other common drugs include blood doping, antipsychotics, growth hormones and various blood-boosting agents.

There are a number of people who support the sport, but they should be mindful of the darker side of the business and the impact that it has on animal welfare. In addition, they should support organizations such as PETA, which is fighting to improve the lives of racehorses. PETA’s work is vital to the health of the industry, and it is essential that it continue its efforts to make sure that the sport abides by its own rules. A zero-tolerance drug policy, turf (grass) tracks only, a ban on whipping and competitive racing only after the horses’ third birthdays would all go a long way toward making this a more ethical sport.