Eight Belles’ death in 2008 caused widespread scrutiny of horse racing’s ethics and integrity, prompting debate on its future and leading to champion deaths such as Medina Spirit and Justify being lost since. But little has been done by industry to address its core problem – breeding horses specifically for racing causes excessive physical stress which often ends their lives prematurely.
Horses in their natural environment live in herds that understand self-preservation and can stop or rest as necessary, but when perched upon human shoulders they are forced to race at breakneck speeds under whip. When injured they often do not recover quickly leaving them with broken necks, fractured limbs and severe spinal injuries as the only consequences.
Racing events were initially composed of match races between two or at most three horses; however, public pressure soon led to events featuring larger fields of runners. The first races featured four-mile (6.4-kilometer) heats wherein it took two heats for a winner to be declared; disinterested third parties maintained records of these results and became known as keepers of the match book.
Thoroughbred horses are large, strong, well-built horses that have been specifically bred for speed and agility. With long, slender legs and usually chestnut or bay colorings, thoroughbreds have long been used in racetrack competition. Their smooth strides help them cover ground quickly – leading them to reach speeds up to 45 mph (75.7 km/h).
To win a race, a horse must finish in first place and beat all other competing horses. Furthermore, they must carry their maximum allowable weight based on its abilities – each race allows different amounts. Barrier positions, sex status and jockey training also can have an effect on performance.
Some races are classified as stakes, which provide the biggest purses. Owner fees paid to nominating, maintaining eligibility, entering, and starting their horses are added together to create the total purse amount. Stakes races are open to horses of all ages but younger horses often receive weight allowances; female horses compete against their male counterparts with three to five lbs less weight allowance (known as “sex allowance”). This practice acts as a form of handicapping designed to balance out each horse’s abilities during each race.