Horse races have a long history and are an integral part of our culture. They are both thrilling and engaging for fans, whether watching from a live racetrack or a home screen. However, these races can also be cruel and inhumane for the horses who are pushed to perform their best in the sport. These animals are not only forced to run, but they are also subjected to harsh training practices and are forced to carry more weight than they should be. In addition, these horses are often subjected to invasive medical procedures, such as acupuncture. The cruelty and suffering of these animals is a topic that has received much attention in the past, but there are still many issues that need to be addressed in order to make the horse race more humane.
The exploitation of thoroughbreds in horse racing is widespread and pervasive, with impacts not only within the racing industry but across mainstream equine culture and society. While the three main welfare issues elicited from all the informants are injuries and deaths on the racetrack, use and overuse of drugs and medication and retirement from racing, animal advocacy informants identified additional, less visible aspects of the racehorse’s life that warrant attention: routine training and husbandry practices, horse-human interaction and the perception of equipment.
In their responses to the photographic images, several of the industry informants seemed to naturalise and normalise, at times downplaying, the thoroughbreds’ behavioural and mental expressions. They also tended to minimise the impact of these processes on the thoroughbreds by describing them as simply a “visual problem”.
A key feature of this equine culture was the idea that a horse’s natural nature and desire to race makes them eager to participate in the game. Hence, the term “horse-centred” is used. This is also reflected in the language that is used to describe the horses themselves: “natural athlete”, “athlete-minded”, and so on.
Track conditions can play a major role in the outcome of a race, particularly on the backstretch and down the final stretch. A muddy or wet track may slow down the horses, while a dry track is ideal for speed. In addition, a jockey or driver’s riding style and track record can have an impact on the horse’s performance.
The first horse to cross the finish line is considered the winner of the race. However, if the horses are not in close proximity, it can be difficult to determine who is winning. This is why it’s important to pay attention to the stance of each horse and the way they are moving throughout the race. This information can help you place your bets and have a better chance of winning! The top 5 winners of each race are awarded cash prizes. In addition, you can bet on other factors, such as the distance of the race and its type. You can find these options by checking the odds board located on the tote board.
