Horse races are a form of competition between a group of horses that is held on a racetrack. Unlike most other sports, which have a single set of rules, the rules for horse racing are dictated by each state. These laws vary widely in terms of what type of medication a horse can be given, the length of time they can be allowed to run, and whether or not whipping is permitted. This is why the sport is often described as a patchwork of regulations.
The Kentucky Derby, a race for three-year old Thoroughbreds over a distance of one and a half miles, is the oldest and most prestigious horse race in the world. The race has been running annually since 1920 and attracts wealthy socialites from around the world who bet large sums of money on the outcome.
While the Derby is the most famous of horse races, there are many others around the globe that are just as competitive and exciting. The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, which has been taking place at Longchamp racecourse in Paris, France, since 1920, is also considered to be the greatest of all horse races.
Like the Derby, the Prix de l’Arc deTriomphe is a prestigious event that draws people from all over the world to bet huge amounts of money on the race. In fact, bettors placed more than 100 million euros on the race in 2017.
Although the Breeders’ Cup and Santa Anita are renowned for their excitement and high stakes, they can also be grueling for the horses involved. The horses are forced to sprint — sometimes with the help of whips — at speeds that can exceed ninety miles per hour. They must run for hours, and they can suffer from a variety of injuries and breakdowns. These events can even cause permanent damage to a horse’s body, which may affect its ability to perform well in future races.
Despite the popularity of horse racing, it is still a very dangerous sport for the animals involved. The horses are often abused and mistreated by trainers, veterinarians, and jockeys. They are not able to develop a strong bond with humans, and they must be trucked, shipped, or flown from one location to another for each race.
While the improvements that have been made in horse racing are commendable, these efforts are unlikely to address the underlying issues of animal cruelty. If the industry wants to survive, it must acknowledge that horses are not commodities, and they are entitled to certain fundamental rights, including the right to live a life free from violence. Let us not forget the lives of Eight Belles, Medina Spirit, Keepthename, Creative Plan, and Laoban – and all the other horses who have been beaten and whipped to death in the name of profit. This must stop. The time for change is now.
