Horse races are sporting events in which horses compete against each other. The aim is to finish over the line first after racing around a course and jumping any obstacles, such as hurdles. The sport has a long history and was practised in ancient civilizations, including Greece, Rome, Babylon, Syria, Egypt and Arabia. It is also an important part of myth and legend, such as the contest between Odin’s steeds and the giant Hrungnir in Norse mythology.
The breeding and training of racehorses is a complex scientific process, but it is also an art form. Trainers and jockeys follow many long-held traditions to ensure the horses are in peak physical condition for each race. Standing in the winner’s circle after a race is a hugely significant moment for those involved, a symbol of success and achievement.
The sport has also become an industry contributing billions to the economy today, with historic tracks such as Belmont Park and major races such as the Kentucky Derby and the Breeders’ Cup. It’s a sport that attracts a wealthy and powerful clientele, with owners investing heavily in their horses and betting on their potential to win.
But it’s also a sport that comes under increasing scrutiny, with critics alleging it is too dangerous for both horses and humans. The horses are subjected to grueling races that push them to the limits of their endurance, and they’re often injured or even killed in the process.
Some horses die after races due to the sheer exertion of running at such high speeds, with some suffering from fatal heart attacks or pulmonary hemorrhages. Others are forced to retire from the track after injuries and can end up in slaughterhouses. In response to the criticism, racing officials have begun to impose stricter rules, testing horses for illegal substances before each race and using PET scans and Palantir’s machine-learning software to spot injured animals.
However, some critics argue that the industry’s efforts are merely cosmetic and that horse welfare is being sacrificed to boost profits. They suggest that the racehorses are not being treated as the cherished, beloved animals they are by their owners and handlers, and they argue that the sport is nothing more than an exploitative business model that relies on taxpayer subsidies to stay afloat.
The owners of the horses, as well as their handlers and trainers, are highly paid professionals, and winning a race can be a career-defining moment. But the reality is that for most people in the industry, staying above the poverty line is a challenge and a single mistake can have catastrophic consequences. Many of these workers are immigrants, many of whom come to the United States seeking the elusive ‘American dream’. Those who work with the horses, such as grooms and stable hands, live in unstable housing, work long hours, and are at high risk of injury. As a result, the horse industry is rife with corruption and exploitation.