A horse race is a competition in which a team of riders on horses compete against each other to win money. It is a popular sport in the United States and around the world. It has been around for centuries, and is still practiced today.
The sport of horse racing is often framed in terms of high drama, dazzling speed and the allure of riches and glamour. But behind the glitzy facade, horse races are a violent and dangerous activity that often involves injuries, drug abuse, gruesome breakdowns, and even slaughter. The sport is also rife with corruption, sexism, and other issues that have been the subject of intense criticism by animal rights groups.
As far back as the 17th century, matches were held between two or three racehorses with owners providing the purse and bettors placing wagers. Those who won the most money were declared the winners. To keep track of these match results, disinterested third parties consolidated them and published lists known as the match books. One of these, published in England in 1729, is the oldest existing publication on horse racing.
In modern thoroughbred racing, the concept of naturalness has a central role in breeding regulations and has implications for training, handling, husbandry, and racing practices. In a recent study, we asked key industry and animal advocacy informants how they conceptualised the idea of naturalness within the context of common racing practices that potentially impact on thoroughbreds’ welfare.
We used semi-structured interviews and photo-elicitation to ask informants in the US, Australia and the UK how they interpreted four common images of thoroughbreds on race day to identify differences in their conceptualisations of naturalness. These findings suggest that the notion of naturalness is deeply embedded in the culture of the racing and breeding industries and has significant ramifications for a variety of practices that are detrimental to horses’ welfare, including routine training, exercise, and husbandry.
The stories of famous upsets remind fans that in a sport dominated by powerhouse stables and big-money operations, any horse can have its day. These underdogs evoke the David vs. Goliath narrative and offer a chance for bettors to witness history in the making. In addition, long shots are a key element of the handicapping game, which requires skill and knowledge to assess a potential winner.
Whether it’s the Kentucky Derby or Royal Ascot, spectators flock to prestigious horse races to don their best outfits and enjoy mint juleps. The spectacle has been romanticised, with racegoers often portrayed as ladies donning elegant dresses and hats. However, attending these events is a wildly expensive affair and not everyone can afford to bet on the winner. Regardless, betting is central to the experience, and the prospect of winning a life-changing payout can lure in even the most disillusioned. Spectators often choose to back a horse that is a long shot, as this can increase the odds of success and creates an emotional investment in the outcome.