The Thrill of a Horse Race
A horse race is a competition between two or more horses in which the fastest wins. The sport has roots in ancient civilizations, and is steeped in traditions that celebrate human and equine spirit. From chariot races in ancient Greece and Rome to the grandeur of today’s Kentucky Derby and Royal Ascot, horse racing is more than just a sport—it is an art form.
Whether you prefer to watch from Millionaires Row or the crowded infield, you’ll experience the thrill of a great horse race. It is a sporting event that brings together tens of thousands of spectators in an atmosphere of excitement and cheering. The sport is known for its long history of tradition and a sense of elegance that is reflected in everything from the extravagant hats worn by female attendees to the mint juleps enjoyed by all.
The earliest recorded horse races were chariot races, and later in the 17th century thoroughbred racing emerged. In these early times, the rules were similar to those of modern racetracks, and fillies received allowances. Eventually winners were required to carry more weight than non-winners. The concept of handicapping was also introduced at this time.
In the 1820’s short racing fell out of style and the long-distance race became more popular, largely due to the needs of the western frontier. The settlers wanted horses that were quick and stout to help them move out west. The result was the creation of a breed that is still with us today, the American Quarter Horse. These horses were strong and fast and had good cow sense, which was necessary for a successful ranching career.
Horse racing continues to evolve, and in the 20th century we began seeing the rise of technological improvements. Computerized data collection was used to better understand the performance of horses and to identify trends. The sport is now a multi-billion dollar industry, and many of the innovations that have been developed in recent years were first created in horse races.
As the popularity of horse races has increased, so too has public awareness of animal welfare issues within the industry. Behind the romanticized facade of Thoroughbred racing are gruesome breakdowns and injuries, drug abuse, and the plight of thousands of horses shipped overseas to be slaughtered for their meat. Growing awareness has helped to spur a number of improvements, and it is hoped that the industry will continue to improve further in the future.
When journalists focus primarily on who is winning or losing instead of analyzing policy issues – what’s known as horse race reporting – voters, candidates and the news media suffer, according to a new study. This updated roundup of research looks at the consequences of this type of coverage and offers suggestions for improving it.