The History of the Horse Race
A horse race is a contest of speed between thoroughbred horses, ridden by jockeys or pulled by sulkies driven by drivers. It is a popular sport that draws millions of fans around the world. The event can be as social as it is competitive and offers a chance for spectators to indulge in long-standing traditions such as placing bets and enjoying mint juleps. In recent years, horse races have become increasingly technologically advanced. Thermal imaging cameras can detect a horse is overheating or has an injury and 3D printing has made it possible for the racing industry to produce casts, splints and even prosthetics for injured animals. While many animal welfare activists are still calling for the end of horse racing, others believe self-regulation and improved safety measures are the key to preserving this long-standing tradition.
In recent years, many horse races have been plagued by issues concerning the treatment of racehorses and the safety of the participants. Many of these issues have been exacerbated by the use of performance-enhancing drugs. Trainers frequently inject their horses with a cocktail of legal and illegal substances designed to mask injuries, increase endurance and enhance speed. In addition, many horses are pushed beyond their limits and often bleed from their lungs after running, a condition known as exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage. To combat this, many trainers give their horses the drug furosemide, better known as Lasix, a diuretic with performance-enhancing properties.
The first electric starting gate for horse races was invented by Clay Puett in 1939 and revolutionized the sport. The new device allows for a quicker and safer start by allowing all runners to enter the starting gate simultaneously rather than one at a time. The gate also has an electric mechanism that opens the front of the stalls when a starter hits a button. Once all the runners are in position, he or she then releases the back of the stall doors.
During the early part of the 20th century, horse racing experienced a boom as tracks became free from the problems of World War I and betting was permitted. During this time, Seabiscuit, the famous American racehorse, becomes a household name. A number of important innovations in racing technology are also introduced, including a system that allows for pari-mutuel betting and the creation of a system whereby track owners share the profits of a horse race.
News outlets have been criticized for covering political campaigns as a horse race, emphasizing polls and predictions more than the candidates’ policy positions. While it is unlikely that journalists will stop framing elections as a horse race, experts suggest that they can improve the way they report on them. Below, two scholars offer some suggestions for doing so.