The horse race is a metaphor for a close form of competition in which the outcome depends on a combination of factors. In a political context, the phrase has often come to mean the close contest for a national office. With the mudslinging, name calling and attack ads that dominate modern campaigns, the meaning of the term horse race can get lost among the noise. But there is one aspect of the race that has gotten plenty of attention: animal cruelty.
In recent years, a growing awareness of animal abuse in racing has led to significant improvements and promises to further press for reform. Animal rights activists, particularly PETA, have conducted groundbreaking investigations into abusive training practices for young horses, drug use and the transportation of ailing American horses to slaughterhouses in foreign countries.
In addition to the usual wagers on winning, there are other ways to bet in a horse race. The most popular is to bet to place, which pays out if the horse finishes first, second or third. Bettors may also bet to show, which is the same as placing but pays out even if the horse comes in fourth or fifth. Betting on a show is less risky but will offer lower payoffs than betting on the win.
The race begins when the jockeys, or riders, enter the paddock (the section at a track where horses are saddled) and parade their mounts past stewards for inspection before they begin to run. They then receive instructions from the trainers, who will be standing nearby. The horses then take off from the starting gate and begin to run around the track. The horse that crosses the finish line first is declared the winner. The runners must follow strict rules regarding the movement of their feet and other parts of their bodies, and the riders must keep a tight hold on their mounts at all times.
The pace of the race varies, depending on the customs of the country. In England, races are usually over 21/2 miles (4 kilometers). The steeplechase, which involves jumping over a variety of obstacles, is probably the most difficult of all the horse races. The Greek writer Xenophon wrote of this sport as early as the 5th century bc.
A number of people besides racetrack employees and fans watch horse races on TV. In recent decades, many viewers have developed an interest in racing because it is a relatively inexpensive hobby. However, as TV audiences have shrunk, the industry has suffered a decline in revenue and popularity. This has resulted in the closure of several tracks and the loss of jobs for thousands of people. In addition, growing awareness of the dark side of horse racing has prompted some people to stop patronizing the sport altogether. In 2011, a study commissioned by the Jockey Club found that horse races are losing money, fans and entries. The report attributed the losses to a shrinking share of the wallet and to mounting concerns about overbreeding, racing injuries and breakdowns, drug use, and the fate of countless American horses in foreign slaughterhouses.