What is Horse Racing?
Horse racing is an activity in which horses are ridden and guided by jockeys to compete against each other. It is a popular spectator sport and an industry that supports many jobs. Horses are bred and trained for racing, as well as used in other forms of entertainment, such as jumping competitions and polo matches. The sport has a long history, and archeological evidence indicates that it was practiced in ancient civilizations. Horse races are also a part of myth and legend, such as the contest between the god Odin’s steed Hrungnir and the giant Gungnir in Norse mythology.
Flat racing: The most common form of horse racing, in which horses race over a level track without obstacles. Races vary in distance, with sprints requiring speed and longer distances a test of stamina. Jump racing (steeplechase): A type of horse race in which horses are required to jump a series of hurdles during the course of the race. This type of race requires both speed and endurance, and is one of the most challenging types of horse racing.
A ‘condition book’ is a schedule of races that a racetrack puts out for the training season. Trainers will develop their training regimens based on the race schedule. Some races are scheduled for a few weeks or a month, while others are scheduled to run over a shorter time period. Depending on the number of entries, certain races may be substituted for others.
Many of the horses who run in horse races are ‘bleeders,’ meaning they will often lose fluid from their lungs during running. The bleeding is a result of the horse working at high speeds, and can lead to exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage. To combat this, horses are given cocktails of legal and illegal drugs to mask the pain of exercising and enhance their performance.
When a horse wins a race, the winning owner will receive a specified amount of prize money. This money is usually distributed to the owner, jockey, and trainer of the winning horse. The horse also earns a profit on each bet placed on it, with a small percentage of the profits being paid to the betting public.
The death of Australia’s legendary champion racehorse Black Caviar has rekindled controversy about the treatment of racehorses. Many workers in the horse racing industry allege that horses are routinely medicated for track work, at the expense of rider and animal safety. This includes the use of a cocktail of drugs designed to mask injuries and enhance performance, such as Lasix or Salix, two diuretics with performance-enhancing qualities. It has been estimated that three thoroughbreds die every day in North America due to catastrophic injuries sustained during horse races. However, horses do not seek out danger – they are prey animals who instinctively synchronize their running in groups to keep each other safe and avoid danger. This natural inclination is the basis for Phar Lap’s legendary 1930 Melbourne Cup win.