Horse races are a form of gambling in which individuals place bets on the outcome of a competition featuring horses. Most horse races take place on tracks with jockeys riding their mounts or pulled by sulkies pulled by drivers. Steeplechases and National Hunt flat races, held across Ireland, Britain and the United States respectively, include steeplechases and National Hunt flat races that can be further subdivided according to age, sex or distance – with several races for quarter horses, Arabians or other breeds also offered. Since the eighteenth century, horse racing has experienced tremendous growth. As more horses were bred and more races held, more races became organized through more racecourses being built and regulations for eligibility of horses developed.
Betting on horse racing events is one of the greatest draws of attending or wagering on one. Not only can bettors gain from betting opportunities; horse fans also can identify with specific horses they cheer for by name. Seabiscuit was an example of one such beloved racehorse that captured both bettors and spectators’ hearts alike.
Horses pushed to their physical limits for horse races can suffer devastating injuries and deaths that leave both fans and members of the industry shocked and appalled. Fans, especially, are shocked when seeing top racehorses die tragically either during races or training, much less while competing.
Racehorses have natural weaknesses which necessitate feeding them with legal and illegal medications that help mask injuries while artificially improving performance. Horses commonly suffer exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH). To reduce bleeding during exercise, Lasix or Salix diuretics are sometimes given as diuretics to try and stop EIPH bleeding.
As horse racing loses fan interest and revenue, steps have been taken to improve animal welfare. The horse racing integrity and safety authority has begun enforcing new standards such as more stringent drug testing and monitoring training practices; however, most trainers continue to believe that pushing their animals to their limit is acceptable, while industry reform remains unwilling.