Horse racing is a sport that has captivated millions of fans around the world for centuries. It is a rich tradition of ceremonial pageantry and love for the magnificent animals that make it all possible. However, as the world changes, horse racing is confronting new challenges, including animal welfare and sustainability. From improved track conditions to advancements in veterinary care, the industry is working hard to protect these stars of the racetrack.
This article uses semi-structured interviews with industry and advocacy informants to explore how thoroughbred racing is evolving. Interviews were conducted through a combination of conventional verbal-only questions and photo-elicitation. Interviewees were asked to describe what the thoroughbred represents for them and to discuss their views on the interplay between racing and the horses’ mental and behavioural expressions. They were also asked to share their views on the implication of these expressions for sustainable racing.
The following definitions are used to clarify some of the terms and acronyms associated with horse races:
a) “Star”: A white marking running down a horse’s face, starting under an imaginary line connecting the tops of the eyes. It is used to identify a horse for betting purposes.
b) “Stakes”: 1) A race that requires the horse to be entered at a higher price than its normal entry fees. 2) A type of credit a horse receives from the racing secretary if it is excluded from an over-filled race, granting the horse priority in entering future races.
The most famous example of a stakes race is the Kentucky Derby, a horse race held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. It is considered one of the most important and prestigious races in North American horse racing, and it is also the first leg of the Triple Crown.
A jockey is the person who rides a horse in a race. The job is a highly demanding position, and it is essential that the jockey be in good physical condition and have the skills to communicate with the horse effectively. In addition to learning the racetrack, a horse jockey must understand the horse’s temperament and be able to read its movements. In the event of a close finish, it is important that the horse jockey be able to make an educated guess as to which horse crossed the finish line first.
Throughout the race, the jockey will often use his or her whip to urge the horse on and keep it going. If the horse is not being ridden with the right amount of pressure, it may tire out early and not finish the race well. Likewise, it is important for the jockey to know when to stop urging the horse and allow it to rest.
Before a horse race begins, the track will often hold practice sessions. These are a great opportunity for onlookers to observe how the horses and their jockeys or drivers work together. Observing the way the horses interact during these warm-ups can help onlookers predict which horses might win and lose. If the horses appear agitated or tense, they are not likely to perform well during the race.