A horse race is a competition where horses are ridden by jockeys and are driven to the finish line in an effort to win a prize. The sport has a long history and carries on many of its traditions today. The sport has also seen a number of technological advancements in recent years which have enhanced safety and security measures for both the horses and jockeys on the track as well as off it.
The first race on record took place in 1745 in Maryland and was organized by the proprietor of the Annapolis waterfront Samuel Ogle. Ogle was a businessman who had a passion for racing and wanted to establish a sport in the country that was similar to the ones popular in Europe.
Today horse races are held all over the world. A race can take place on a dirt, turf, or polytrack surface and can be run over any distance between one and four miles. Despite the differing track types and different rules in various national organizations, most rulebooks are similar with most being based on the British Horseracing Authority’s original rules book.
Horses are trained to race at a high intensity. This intense training and unnatural confinement can cause mental and emotional distress in the horses that are forced to race. This can lead to compulsive behavior such as biting on their gate, contracting their neck muscles and grunting, pacing, and self-harm. In addition, the physical injuries caused by racing can include degenerative joint changes, fractures, condylar bone cysts, and even concussion.
As the popularity of horse races has declined, many people have begun to speak out against it. These protests are often held at Laurel and Pimlico Racecourse in Maryland where organizers with Horseracing Wrongs have been demonstrating since 2018. Some of these activists claim that the sport is cruel to the horses, that it causes suffering, and that the industry should be abolished.
The New York Times recently published a piece that was scathing to the industry, calling it “a money-losing business with empty stands.” The article pointed out that governments are propping up the sport by giving billions of dollars in gambling tax revenue as well as paying for infrastructure like Belmont Park and other racetracks. The Times also pointed out that a growing number of potential customers no longer see horse racing as a good way to spend their money. This sentiment is reflected in the dwindling attendance at horse races all over the country.