Concerns About Horse Racing
Horse racing is a popular sport, with bettors placing wagers on one or more horses to win. Bettors can also place bets on show (finish first, second, or third), the daily double (picking the winners of two consecutive races), the exacta (picking the first and second horses in order), and the quinella (picking the winnings of six consecutive races). Many races are followed by television coverage, with the most well-known being the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes.
Despite its popularity, many people have concerns about horse racing. For example, there are concerns about animal welfare and safety, as well as the economic viability of the sport. Moreover, many racetracks are outdated and need to be modernized to attract new fans. In addition, horse racing is often perceived as a dangerous sport due to the frequent injuries that can occur.
Many people who watch horse races enjoy the thrill of seeing an underdog win. For instance, in 1971, a long shot named Canonero II won the Kentucky Derby. He was a poor and untrained horse that was shipped to Venezuela before returning to the United States for the Derby. Despite impossible odds, Canonero II won the race by three lengths. This victory is considered one of the biggest upsets in horse racing history.
Another concern about horse racing is the number of horses that are injured and killed in the process. According to the website Horseracing Wrongs, at least 10,311 horses have been euthanized in the past four years alone. It is important to note that these are just the reported cases and does not include those horses who have been euthanized for medical reasons or because they were not race worthy.
The majority of these horses were euthanized at tracks and training facilities. Many of these horses were likely not treated with banned drugs, but instead suffered from the normal rigors of the sport. The unnatural training and confinement of a racehorse can inhibit its natural instincts and lead to physical and mental distress. In some cases, this suffering manifests itself in repetitive and compulsive behavior such as biting on its gate, cribbing, or even self-harm.
Finally, there are concerns about the treatment of racehorses after they retire from the sport. While some are kept on a farm and live out their lives as leisurely horses, many end up in slaughterhouses, where they are turned into dog food and glue. Consequently, many activists are calling for reform or even outright ban on the sport.