a race among horses, either ridden by jockeys or pulled by drivers in sulkies.
Horse racing is a popular sport worldwide, with tens of millions of fans who love the equine athletes and the pageantry that surrounds major races. The industry has become more conscious of the welfare of its animals and has introduced many changes to ensure that the sport remains healthy for the equines that are its stars.
The sport has an ancient history, with archaeological records of horse racing in Ancient Greece, Rome, Babylon, Syria, and Egypt. It also features prominently in myth and legend, including the contest between Odin’s steeds Hrungnir and Helgi in Norse mythology.
Modern horse races are held on dirt and grass tracks in North America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. In the United States, thoroughbreds compete at more than a dozen tracks every day of the year. The most prestigious event in the country is the Triple Crown, which consists of a three-race series of events that culminates in the Belmont Stakes. Other famous races are the Kentucky Derby, Dubai World Cup, and Royal Ascot.
Unlike humans, horses do not reach full maturity until around age 6. They are thrust into intense training at 18 months and then raced as two-year-olds — the rough equivalent of a first-grade child. This can be stressful for the animals, who have massive torsos with spindly legs and fragile ankles. They often break down and die from cardiovascular collapse, or from traumatic injuries like broken necks and spines that leave only skin attached to their bodies. They can also bleed out of their lungs, a condition known as exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage.
After a days-long trial, ten horses line up to participate in this wild equine sport that is both ritual and spectacle. Riders wear traditional equestrian silks and control their mounts from a sled, while the riders of other sleds watch for an opportunity to take the lead by bumping into their rivals. It is not uncommon for spectators to bribe the riders of the fantini, and fists and whips fly as the horses sprint around the treacherous corners in front of thousands of fans.
Despite its popularity, there is much controversy over the sport, with animal rights activists calling for more regulations to protect the health and safety of the horses. In recent years, several racing authorities have adapted to these demands by improving track conditions, introducing more safety features for horses, and implementing better veterinary care for the animals. These improvements are important, but they must be combined with a deeper awareness of the inherent dangers of this sport, and a willingness to make changes to improve its welfare. Even in its most sanitized form, horse racing is still not a safe activity for the animals. They can be killed by collisions with other horses or obstacles, shattered bones, or bled to death from exercises that push them far past their limits. Some horses have a cocktail of legal and illegal drugs administered during the race to mask their pain and enhance their performance.