Horse races are a global tradition that bring together people, horses and betting. The sport has been a part of human culture for thousands of years, and its traditions are steeped in elegance, spectacle and majesty. From ancient chariot races to today’s Kentucky Derby and Royal Ascot, the race is more than just a sport; it’s also a showcase of human and equine spirit. In addition to betting, spectators enjoy the fashion and social interaction that characterise horse races. Ladies’ hats, elegant dresses and sharp suits are the norm at such marquee events as the Kentucky Derby or Royal Ascot. The races themselves are a feast for the eyes, with each horse carefully groomed and dressed to be its best.
Betting on a horse to win a race is the primary reason that many fans attend a horse race. The practice is legal in most countries around the world and can be done in a variety of ways, including placing multiple bets at one time. There are several types of bets, including betting to win, place and show. The odds of a horse winning are calculated by multiplying the amount bet on it by the number of places that will be paid out.
The horse race is a multibillion-dollar industry, but the sport is marred by injuries and deaths on the track, drug abuse and exploitation of horses. The industry denies the problem, but the truth is that it is an exploitive and abusive industry for its animals. Moreover, the industry sanitises and downplays its practices, and thus prevents the public from understanding the full impact of horse racing on the welfare of its horses.
During interviews, animal advocacy informants identified three main categories of welfare issues: injuries and death on the racetrack, drug use and overuse and retirement of thoroughbreds. These issues have received the most attention from the media and in popular discourse, but they are just the tip of the iceberg. The exploitation of horses in the daily life of racing—training, husbandry and interactions with humans—is where most of the real problems lie.
In the earliest recorded accounts of horse races, horses were ridden by charioteers in Greek and Roman games. The first modern horse races, however, did not start until the 18th century. These were often very long races, covering miles and sometimes even spanning the globe. In the early days of modern horse racing, many races were run on dirt, but nowadays most are held on synthetic tracks, which are a safer and more convenient material for horses. The modern horse is very different from its ancestor, with a much faster pace and a more muscular body. The breed also has an extremely high metabolism, which means that they need a lot of food and water to sustain themselves. A horse’s diet is highly regimented, and it must have an adequate supply of nutrients to be able to compete successfully in the races. This also helps it keep a lean physique.