Horse racing is a thrilling spectator sport that has been enjoyed for centuries. The sport has had many significant developments over the years, with a number of technological advances impacting race day and training facilities alike. These advancements have also improved horse health and safety, as well as making it easier for horses to get back into the race if they become injured.
Some of the most famous horse races are held in Europe, Australia, Japan, South Africa, and the United States. The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in France, the Melbourne Cup in Australia, and the Gran Premio Internacional Carlos Pellegrini in Argentina are all world-renowned races that are held annually.
In addition to these world-renowned races, there are numerous smaller regional events that attract a variety of race fans around the globe. These horse races are often held at tracks throughout the country and feature a wide range of distances, conditions, and types of horses.
While horse racing has a long history of being a popular entertainment activity, it also is a lucrative and profitable business. It is estimated that the industry produces over $30 billion in revenue each year worldwide. This revenue is generated from both wagers on the races and from the sale of breeding stock. The popularity of horse racing is largely due to the appeal of betting and the thrill of watching an equine athlete perform at its best.
Among the most exciting and challenging aspects of the sport of horse racing is its need to be able to identify the very best equine athletes. This process is known as horse race handicapping and involves assigning specific weight allowances to the horses based on their past performances in a variety of different races. This system is designed to ensure that the very best horses will be able to win each and every race they enter.
Although horse racing has a long and rich history, it also is an activity that requires a great deal of skill. Those who are interested in participating in this sport will need to learn about the various rules and regulations that govern it in order to be successful. In addition, it is essential for those interested in horse racing to understand the various terms and jargon that are used during the course of a horse race.
A brief list of some of the more commonly used terms in horse racing is provided below:
*Horse Race: A race for Thoroughbred horses over a set distance. The winners receive a trophy, usually a cup.
**Peta Accuses Two Trainers of Cruelty: Video Shows Injured and Mistreated Racehorses
This week’s Britannica Premium article comes with exclusive videos that shed light on the treatment of some of the most prized race horses in America. The video footage is from Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, and Saratoga Race Course in upstate New York. It is the most comprehensive video ever produced on race-horse welfare, and it shows, in shocking detail, how race horses are mistreated by trainer Steve Asmussen and his top assistant, Scott Blasi.