A horse race is a contest in which horses are forced to sprint, often at high speeds, while jockeys use whips to keep their mounts going. While some people criticize the practice of racing horses, arguing that it is inhumane and corrupted by doping and overbreeding, others feel that it represents the pinnacle of achievement for the competitors and that, while it may need reform, it is fundamentally sound.
In the past, horse races were dominated by wealthy aristocrats and powerful industrialists. They were considered the sport of kings, with the winners receiving a prize in the form of a silver cup or a trophy. Today, many horse races are run by corporations and other organizations. These contests can have a significant impact on the company’s future, especially if the outcome of the horse race is not what was expected. For example, if an organization decides to hold a horse race to choose its next leader, the company may lose other senior executives who were vying for the position and may also lose strong leaders deep within the organization who might have aligned themselves with an unsuccessful candidate.
Horse races can be dangerous for the horses involved, as well as the riders known as jockeys. The constant sprinting exposes the horses to the risk of injuries, such as broken legs and cracked leg bones. The horse’s hooves are also subject to immense pressure, which can cause the horses to have problems with development such as laminitis, a painful condition where the hooves rot and break off.
The most common cause of death in a horse race is injuries related to the running and jumping. The horses are bred to achieve speed and stamina, which can lead to serious injuries if the horses are not properly trained or cared for. The veterinary staff at a horse race is trained to spot potential problems and respond quickly.
Before the start of a horse race, the trainers walk their animals through the walking ring to look at them. The betting public looks at the horses’ coats to see if they are bright and rippling with sweat, a sign that the horses are ready to run. On the day of Mongolian Groom’s fatal accident, his coat looked bright enough.
For years, horse racing officials gave all thoroughbreds on the race track a drug called Lasix before every race. The drug’s main function is to prevent pulmonary bleeding, which hard running can trigger in some horses. The horses are injected with it before each race, and the fact that they are taking it is indicated on the racing form with a boldface “L.” The racehorses are thirsty because of the diuretic effect, which causes them to unload epic amounts of urine—twenty or thirty pounds worth. This is one of the reasons why so many new would-be fans have left the sport in recent years.