Horse racing is a thrilling and engaging sport that has stood the test of time. However, behind the romanticized facade of the industry lies a world of injuries, drug abuse, gruesome breakdowns, and slaughter. The sport has a long way to go before it is truly humane, but growing awareness is driving improvements for horses and other animals who are involved in the business.
The first horse races were held in Europe in the 1600s, and a form of organized racing began in New York City in 1864, after the Civil War. The sport is now popular all over the world. Horses are bred for racing, and they can run at short distances (sprint races), or for much longer distances (routes). The sport is based on the ability of a horse to accelerate rapidly and then maintain speed over a long distance. A horse that is able to achieve this requires a high level of stamina.
Throughout the history of horse racing, different rules have been put in place in each country. These vary from the size of the race track to the number of starters, but the fundamental principles remain the same. Horses are rated on their ability to race over a certain distance and then awarded a certain amount of money according to the rules. In some countries, a horse can be placed in more than one class, depending on its rating.
For example, in the United States, horse races are classified as sprints, routes, and stakes. A sprint race is a short distance, often between six and twelve furlongs (2.0 and 3.2 km). A route race is a longer distance, usually a mile or more. A stakes race is a highly competitive race that is held to determine the champion of a given breed, age, or gender.
When horse racing began in America, the emphasis was on stamina, but the industry changed after the Civil War. By the end of the nineteenth century, speed became the primary goal. In order to optimize performance, horse trainers developed methods to maximize energy output. Mathematicians at the EHESS institute in Paris, France, have now developed a mathematical model to explain how these strategies work. Their study shows that winning horses rely on a combination of two different pathways: powerful aerobic ones that can use oxygen, which is in limited supply during a race, and anaerobic ones that produce waste products that lead to fatigue.
The study also suggests that, to get the most out of a horse, trainers should alternate between these pathways. Ideally, they should also give the horse a chance to rest.
Horses that win races are often given a large amount of a drug called Lasix on race day. It is used to prevent pulmonary bleeding that can occur during hard running. However, the drug causes horses to unload epic amounts of urine, which can make it difficult for stewards to judge who crossed the finish line first.