Horse racing is a sport steeped in traditions of glamour, elegance and competition. But behind the fancy hats and mint juleps lies a dark side of drug abuse, injuries and even death.
Race distance is measured in furlongs (3/4 mile), and the best horses earn a high speed figure for that length. A low number suggests a slow or tired horse.
Origins
Horse racing is one of the oldest spectator sports and has been a part of culture worldwide for thousands of years. It was popular in Ancient Rome and is a key element of Norse mythology.
People created different breeds of horses by mating them for desirable traits. When these horses were bred, they got better and faster, making them more suitable for racing. This is why many races are named after a particular breed of horse.
Organized horse racing in the United States began in the 17th century. The first track opened on Long Island and took its name from Newmarket, England. The sport became so popular that it earned the title “Sport of Kings.” Up until the Civil War, speed was more important than stamina.
Formats
The race format is a key part of understanding horse races. It gives bettors insight into the competition and helps them make informed wagers. For example, a horse’s race form will include its odds, which show how likely it is to win. Odds can change during the course of a race, so be sure to update your information.
Other important elements of a race are its age restrictions and condition. For example, a race may be an allowance race, which is a high-level glorified stakes race that allows horses to carry less weight than they normally would. Medications and equipment will also be included in the race form. For example, a drug named Lasix is given to horses before a race to treat exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH). This medication prevents the bleeding in lungs that can occur during intense physical exertion such as running.
Breeds
Horses come in many breeds and shapes, each with a specific purpose. Some breeds are better at racing than others, so it’s important to consider what each racehorse specialises in before placing a bet.
Thoroughbreds are bred specifically for horse racing, and they’re known for their speed. They have a high number of slow-twitch muscle fibers, which allows them to run for longer distances.
Other breeds are suited for other races, such as the steeplechase and harness racing. The Akhal-Teke is a unique breed that was bred for endurance and strength by nomadic tribes in Turkmenistan. It’s also used for dressage, as it looks graceful and is easy to train. They have an unusual coat pattern that makes them stand out. This eye-catching breed is popular among children and in movies.
Rules
Horse race is a fun card game that can be played by one or more players. The aces represent horses that move forward on a track when a card with the matching suit is drawn. The first ace to complete the course wins the race. Players make bets on which aces they think will win.
The rules of horse racing vary from country to country, though most are based on the British rulebook. In addition to determining the winner, stewards also enforce penalties for horses and jockeys who do not follow the rules. These penalties can include disqualification before, during and after the race. They can also be applied if a horse is found to have been taking performance-enhancing drugs. This can be dangerous to both the horse and jockey.
Injuries
Despite the heightened risk of injury from high-class racing events, most injuries sustained by horses are minor and not career-ending. This is due to enhanced pre-race monitoring, conservative recovery planning and a thorough understanding of the anatomy of racehorses so that injuries can be treated.
Splint fractures (a break in the fetlock bone) are often not severe enough to stop a horse from competing and many can be returned to the track following a period of rest and rehab. More serious osselet (bone chips) and suspensory ligament overstrain injuries can require a year of rehab to recover and may limit a horse to light pleasure riding only.
Long bone fractures in a horse’s front fetlock or knees are usually life-threatening. They start as stress fractures and can progress to a full breakdown if not managed correctly.