When it comes to horse races, a lot is at stake. For many fans, betting on the outcome of a race is just as exciting as the actual event itself. And, in addition to being a fun pastime for the casual fan, horse racing is also a sport that has been around for centuries, and has become an integral part of the culture of numerous countries.
In fact, in some countries, it is even considered a national sport. In addition to bringing people together for a day of drinking, eating, and watching the horses run by, racing is also used as a means to celebrate the country’s history and heritage. For example, the Melbourne Cup is often referred to as the “race that stops a nation.” The race is held each year at Australia’s most prestigious track and attracts thousands of spectators.
Despite the glamour and excitement, horse racing is a brutal sport for its athletes. It’s a sport where horses are forced to sprint, often under the threat of whips, at speeds that can cause severe injuries and even hemorrhage in their lungs. Many of the horses are then given cocktails of legal and illegal drugs to mask injuries and artificially enhance their performance.
And when horses do break down, it can be a gruesome sight to watch. For example, when the race horse New York Thunder was well on his way to victory in the 2023 GI Allen Jerkens Memorial Stakes at Saratoga, he suddenly collapsed a few yards from the finish line. This was one of the most gruesome breakdowns anyone has ever seen at a horse race.
Even though the number of breakdowns at races has declined, there are still a lot of critics who want to see horse racing banned. In a scathing 4,600 word guest essay published Friday in the New York Times, Noah Shachtman writes that governments should not keep propping up a dying industry, which does little to bring in tourists or generate jobs. Instead, he says, the money should be invested in public education, social services, and renewable energy.
For animal rights advocates, the most important issue in any horse race is how the animals are treated before and during the event. Prior to a race, horses will undergo routine training exercises with jogs and gallops in the wee hours of the morning at their stables. These exercises can help a horse get conditioned and ready for the race by getting them used to running at a high speed for an extended period of time. In addition, these exercises can help a horse develop endurance and muscle strength. In some races, the horse may be “rated” early on in order to conserve energy and ensure it can make it to the end of the race without falling out of contention. This practice is controversial amongst many animal lovers, but it is necessary to maintain the integrity of the sport.
