A horse race is a competition between thoroughbreds over short distances. It is one of the most popular forms of betting in the United States, and has a long history. Its popularity is due to the fast speeds at which horses can run, as well as the high prize money that can be awarded for winning a race. Horse races are often broadcast on television and have been the subject of a number of big budget films and TV series.
When journalists covering political campaigns and elections focus primarily on who is ahead or behind in polls and predictions rather than on policy issues — what’s known as horse-race coverage — voters, candidates and the news industry itself suffer, according to growing research. That’s because the competitive nature of political campaigns mirrors the frantic pace of a horse race and tends to emphasize the ups and downs in polls and predictions more than substantive discussion about policy issues or candidate qualifications.
In addition to a specialized diet, racehorses are required to undergo rigorous training and exercise to build up their fitness and endurance. They will typically start out with routine jogs and gallops in the wee hours of the morning at their stable, which may be at a racecourse or training center. As a horse becomes conditioned, it will be asked to work at a stronger pace for a set distance. These workouts are timed and help the trainer determine a horse’s level of conditioning and readiness for a race.
As a result of their unnatural training and confinement, it is not uncommon for a horse to suffer from emotional and mental problems. These may manifest as a form of self-harm known as “cribbing,” which involves biting at the gate or other objects, or compulsive behaviors such as pacing and kicking. In addition, the not infrequent injuries that occur during racing can be catastrophic.
While there is little doubt that the equine racing industry has its share of abuse, increased awareness by animal rights groups is bringing improvements to the sport. Some of these include a ban on whipping, turf (grass) tracks only, a zero-tolerance drug policy, competitive racing for horses only after their third birthday and other reforms.
Some well-known Wall Street traders have made a name for themselves by making bets on and investing in horses. In addition, a number of professional jockeys make their living riding and caring for horses before and after races. They are often referred to as the heart of the sport. This group includes the likes of jockey Bill Motley and trainer Bob Bafferty, who both have won multiple horse-racing championships. The emergence of legalized sports gambling also has expanded the popularity of horse racing in the United States and around the world. This has led to an increase in stakes and prize money. Currently, a winning jockey can earn more than $100,000 for a single race. This has helped horse racing maintain its popularity despite declining attendance in many locations and a decline in the total number of races.