Horse race is a sport where people wager on the outcome of a contest between two or more horses. The competition has a long and distinguished history, occurring in civilizations across the globe since ancient times. It has been portrayed in various art forms, including novels and films, and played an important role in myth and legend.
Behind the romanticized facade of Thoroughbred racing, however, is a world of drugs, injuries, gruesome breakdowns and slaughter. These sensitive animals are bred for speed at the expense of bone mass and health, are forced to run far beyond their natural abilities, and endure debilitating conditions like bleeding lungs and ringbone, which can be fatal. Often, they die in horrific accidents on the track or in training and are then euthanized or sent to an abattoir.
A jockey is the person who rides a horse. The rider must communicate with the trainer and the veterinary team to make sure the animal is healthy enough to compete. The rider also has the responsibility to steer the horse in a straight line and negotiate curves. They must be able to control the horse, avoiding collisions with other runners and other obstacles. They must have a good understanding of the track and be able to read the tendencies of other horses in the field. The rider must also be able to anticipate the outcome of the race and place their bets accordingly.
In the United States, a race is held on dirt, grass, or synthetic tracks. Grass is the most popular because it provides the best surface for racing. A synthetic track is a man-made, high-quality material that is used for some races. The track is usually made of a mixture of sand and other materials that provide an even surface for traction. The track is usually oval shaped with straight and turn-back sections. The number of turns depends on the distance of the race.
During a horse race, a handicapper is the person who assigns a value to each runner based on past performance and current conditions. The higher the handicapper’s ranking, the more likely the horse will win. The most common handicapping methods are the Beyer and the Brisnet speed figures.
Horse racing is similar to politics in that it’s common for journalists to focus on two main candidates battling it out for voters’ attention, to the detriment of minor contenders and third-party candidates. Learning how to keep an eye on the underdogs, a lesson from horse racing, could help more journalists improve their coverage of political races.