Horse racing is more than just a sport; it is steeped in time-honored traditions and a celebration of the human and equine spirit. From ancient chariot races to the grandeur of modern-day events like Royal Ascot and the Kentucky Derby, a love for the horses and their beauty attracts millions of spectators. The glamour of these events is heightened with lavish fashion, mint juleps and a sense of history that has captivated fans since the dawn of the sport.
Despite this history of glamour, many horses are subjected to intense pressure and pain during their careers. For example, a horse’s body is subject to repeated stress from the weight they carry in order to compete with other horses. The weight they must carry varies between races, and allowances are also made for sex, age, jockey and training. As a result, the horses’ performances can be impacted by a variety of factors, making it difficult for them to compete against other horses that may have a slightly different starting position or a better jockey.
Many horses are pushed beyond their limits during a race, and some of them will even die during the course of a race. For example, many race horses are forced to run at a very high speed that causes them to bleed from their lungs due to exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage. In an attempt to combat this problem, many race horses are given cocktails of legal and illegal drugs that help mask injuries and artificially enhance their performance.
The equine industry has taken steps to address these concerns, and they are making strides in animal welfare. In addition, they are working to increase safety on the track and improve veterinary care. They are also using technological advances, such as thermal imaging cameras, MRI scanners, X-rays, and 3D printing to ensure the best possible outcomes for the horses.
The term horse race is often used in political contexts to describe an election that has become a nailbiter, but the word can also be applied to any close form of competition. Whether it’s a horse race or a political contest, the mudslinging and name calling can make it easy for voters to lose sight of the actual issues at stake. When journalists cover elections with a focus on who’s ahead or behind, what’s known as horse-race coverage, voters, candidates and the news media can all suffer. This updated collection of research looks at the impact of this type of reporting.