A horse race is a competition in which horses are ridden by jockeys or pulled by sulkies to complete a set distance. The competition may be held on a track, in a field, or on an obstacle course. A horse that wins a race is declared the winner. A person who makes a bet on the outcome of a horse race is called a bettor. Bets are placed on a single horse or multiple horses in an exotic wager such as the Daily Double, Pick 3 or Pick 4.
There is something about feeling the earth shake beneath a mass of thundering hooves barreling down the stretch of a thoroughbred horse race that is truly magical. It is a quintessential Kentucky experience, and one of the most exciting sports in the world.
But behind the romanticized facade of racing as a sport lies a grim reality of injuries, drug abuse, gruesome breakdowns and slaughter. Horses used in racing are forced to sprint—often under the threat of whips and illegal electric-shocking devices—at speeds that often cause them to bleed from their lungs, a condition known as exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage. As a result, many horses will die during races, while those who are not killed will ultimately be slaughtered.
Horse racing has developed over time to meet the demands of the public, and rules were developed based on age, sex, birthplace, previous performance, and other factors. Individual flat races are contested over distances ranging from 440 yards (400 m) to more than four miles (6.4 km), with short races generally referred to as sprints and longer ones as routes, although both require fast acceleration.
In addition to the speed of a race, a jockey’s skill and judgment in coaxing a horse’s advantage is also important. This is especially true in long races, where a few yards can make a big difference.
The equine industry has also been plagued with corruption and illegal practices, such as “bucking” or riding a horse without a jockey. Bucking involves grabbing at the saddle or pommel with the hands to encourage a horse to run faster, while riding involves leaning on the horse’s neck and back to force them forward. Both can cause severe injuries and even death to the animal.
In addition to the obvious cruelty involved in these activities, a horse’s innate sense of self-preservation is damaged by these tactics. The animal will develop fear and anxiety, which can lead to behavioural problems such as crib-biting, a repetitive oral behaviour in which the horse sucks its teeth into its mane or withers. Another behavioural problem that results from such stress is weaving, in which the horse sways its forelegs back and forth to shift its weight from side to side. These behaviours may result in lameness or death, but are tolerated by the industry as a way of getting more bang for the buck.