Horse races are not only a source of equine entertainment and excitement, but also of thrills for bettors. However, the sport is not without its controversy. A number of issues are of concern, from the safety of horses to the effectiveness of whipping. Research suggests that the use of whipping hurts horses and can even cause injuries.
In the early days of organized racing, matches were run between two horses with owners providing the purses and bettors wagering on each. The results were recorded by disinterested third parties, who came to be known as keepers of the match book. One such keeper in Newmarket, England, began publishing An Historical List of All Horse-Matches Run (1729). As races evolved and became more standardized, the agreement between owners was formalized into an arrangement that came to be known as a “horse race.”
A horse race consists of a series of races over varying distances and obstacles. A sprint race is usually short, while a longer race is called a route in the United States and a steeplechase in Europe. A steeplechase requires the most stamina of all forms of horse racing, and is a true test of speed and endurance.
In order to help the horses compete at their peak, trainers often inject them with cocktails of drugs. Animal welfare advocates say this is a form of doping that allows horses to run faster and power through pain. The most common drug used is furosemide, commonly known as Lasix. This diuretic is given to most thoroughbreds for the purpose of preventing pulmonary bleeding (a condition caused by hard running).
When bettors place bets on a race, they rely on the fact that the odds are calculated using the mathematical formulas that are used by the racetrack’s computers. Some people have questioned this process, saying it is biased and is prone to human error. Some people have even accused the racetracks of rigging horse races in favor of certain horses and trainers.
Before a race begins, the bettors gather in the walking ring to watch the horses get ready. They look at the horses’ coats and their body language to determine if they are ready to run. If a horse balks, it is considered to be unenthusiastic about the race and may not win.
A horse’s leg works like a spring, stretching and then resurging to propel the animal forward. In a race, the jockey’s job is to guide the horse through the turns and to use the back-and-forth momentum to his advantage. In addition to directing the horse, the jockey uses the whip on the back of the neck to control the pace. This is a very dangerous job for the rider, and some jockeys have died in accidents while performing this task. Other horse-related accidents include falls and road accidents. This is a serious risk that should be addressed by the industry, according to animal welfare advocates.