The Real World of a Horse Race
Behind the romanticized facade of horse races, where spectators dress in their finest and sip mint juleps, there is a world of drugs, injuries, gruesome breakdowns and slaughter. Pushed beyond their limits, horses sprint-often under the threat of whips or illegal electric-shock devices-at speeds so high that they often sustain injuries and bleed from their lungs, a condition known as exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage. To keep them running, horses are given cocktails of legal and illegal drugs that mask injuries, artificially enhance performance and prevent the onset of a deadly illness.
A race is a competitive contest in which horse or dogs compete for a prize by running through a predetermined course. A horse may be led or ridden by a human rider, called a jockey, who uses a whip to encourage the horse and control its speed. The sport of horse racing is an integral part of the cultures of several nations, and it has a rich history dating back to ancient times. Archeological records of organized horse races have been found in Ancient Greece, Rome, Babylon, Syria and Egypt. The sport also is depicted in myth and legend, such as the battle between Odin’s steeds and Hrungnir’s steeds in Norse mythology.
The pedigree of a horse is an important factor in determining whether or not it will be able to compete in a horse race. The horse must have a sire and dam that are purebred individuals of the breed that it is racing, in order to be eligible for the race. This is especially true in breeds such as the Thoroughbred, which are based on lineage and have specific breeding rules.
There are many different types of horse races, and the pedigree of a horse is one of the most important factors in determining whether or not it will be eligible for a particular race. In addition, the age and gender of a horse must be taken into consideration when choosing a race for it to participate in. For example, males cannot run in races restricted to fillies and females, and a horse that is too old or too young may not be able to compete in any race.
In the early days of American horse racing, the sport was centered on stamina rather than speed. This was because the settlers needed horses that would be able to travel long distances over rugged terrain, so they sought out large, stout horses with cow sense. As a result, horses that excelled in endurance were able to win the most money at horse races.
Generally, horse racing is conducted at tracks and racetracks throughout the United States and abroad. These racetracks include dirt, turf and synthetic surfaces. Each track is different, but all have similar features that help to ensure the safety of horses and spectators. A track must have a smooth surface and be free of any bumps or debris that could cause injury to the horses or their riders. During a race, the track is also inspected to make sure that it is safe for racing.