The equine sport of horse racing has entranced spectators for centuries. But behind the romanticized facade of fancy outfits and mint juleps lies a world of injuries, drugs, and gruesome breakdowns. Often, horses are pushed to the limits of their physical and mental abilities and then treated with cocktails of legal and illegal drugs that mask injuries and give them an edge in the race. It is estimated that one horse out of 22 races will suffer an injury that prevents them from finishing and that 3 thoroughbreds die every day in North America due to racing-related injuries.
Despite these dangers, horse races continue to draw crowds that exceed previous records and are often broadcast around the globe. The upcoming Preakness Stakes at Pimlico on May 19 is expected to draw an estimated 170,000 people to the Baltimore area. A paved spectator area that connects the grandstand to the race track.
A method of determining the starting order of horses in a race based on age, sex, and past racing performance. It has become increasingly popular among large corporations because it allows for a greater number of runners in a race.
In a claiming race, any licensed person may purchase a running horse for a set amount of money. The runner then becomes the property of the new owner and retains the purse money earned by the previous owner. This practice is a way to reduce the cost of running a race by allowing owners to use up the winnings of other runners and still collect their own prize money.
The process of choosing a company’s next CEO by pitting several candidates against each other in a competitive horse race, with the winner becoming the company’s next chief executive officer. Some executives and governance observers are uncomfortable with this approach, fearing that a prolonged succession horse race can disrupt the organization’s momentum, demoralize employees, and erode board and shareholder confidence. However, many admired companies have successfully used the horse race strategy to select their next leaders.
An auxiliary starting gate used when the number of horses in the main starter gates outnumbers the capacity. The number of horses in the auxiliary starting gate is added to the total number of horses competing in a race.
A technique used in horse racing that involves a jockey riding on top of a horse and pulling it backward with their hands while directing it to speed up, slow down, or stop. It is considered a cruel form of training and often leads to physical and psychological abuse, including cribbing (biting on the gate), pacing, and kicking. It can also cause severe and painful injuries, such as fractured legs, lacerations, and brain hemorrhages. The practice is banned in most countries, although some jurisdictions allow it if certain conditions are met. The practice is not recommended for children.