The Decline of the Horse Race
A horse race is a sport where humans and horses compete against each other using their physical strength and agility. The sport of horse racing has been around for thousands of years. Originally, people used their horses to pull buggies and carriages, but later, they began to use them as warhorses, pitting them against each other in races. Today, horse races are a major draw for many fans and can be quite exciting to watch.
The main reason for the decline of the sport is because it puts too much stress on young equine bodies. These animals start training and are forced to race far too early, causing them to damage their immature bones and ligaments. Moreover, the sport is rife with drug misuse. The drugs are used to increase the horse’s speed, and it is very difficult for jockeys to tell if a horse is on them or not.
There are a lot of rules and regulations in place to keep the sport safe, but they vary from state to state. This is compared to other sports such as the NBA, where there is a uniform set of standards and rules that are enforced. Consequently, horse trainers and owners who are found to be using performance-enhancing drugs can often continue to participate in the sport in other states.
In addition to the fact that horse races are dangerous for both horses and jockeys, they’re also damaging for the environment. The sport is extremely polluting and is an important cause of global warming. Besides, the abrasive nature of the tracks and the high speeds at which the horses are driven make them very hard on the animal’s joints and feet.
Sadly, the sport has seen a huge decline in popularity lately. For example, field sizes are at their lowest in Britain since records began in 1995. Moreover, horses bred in Britain are increasingly being sent abroad to chase bigger prize pots. Even the Queen is beginning to give up on the sport. Her first winner, Just Fine, left Tattersalls’ auction ring earlier this year on the way to Australia.
As a result, the sport is losing money and popularity. In order to stay afloat, changes need to be made. Some of these changes include the use of more environmentally friendly racing surfaces, improving safety rules, and reducing the amount of medication that is allowed on the horses. Furthermore, a more transparent approach is needed in terms of rules that apply to all racing jurisdictions. This would be beneficial for all involved.