A horse race is a form of close competition in which horses are ridden by humans. Spectators can place wagers, watch the race and enjoy food and beverages on the sidelines of the track. It is an event that has entranced spectators for centuries and continues to be a popular spectator sport today.
The phrase horse race is also used figuratively to refer to an election, political contest or other close contest. In the latter context, it is usually a reference to the process by which a leader is selected within an organization. The board of a company may use a horse race to select a new CEO or other senior-level executive. Proponents of this approach argue that it can be a powerful motivator for employees, particularly those with a hunger for advancement. However, if the board uses this method to choose its next CEO, it should first consider whether the culture and organizational structure are well suited for an overt leadership contest and then adopt strategies that can help minimize the disruptions associated with a horse race.
Horse racing writ large is an unnatural act, but many people are convinced that it’s harmless and unavoidable. After all, horses are “born to run and love to compete.” What they’re made to do at the racetrack bears no resemblance to how they would behave in a natural setting. They are bred for speed at the expense of bone mass and health, and they’re pushed far beyond their limits in races. As a result, they often develop debilitating and life-threatening conditions, such as bleeding lungs and ringbone.
To make a horse competitive, it must be conditioned to run at a particular level of difficulty. A trainer may train a horse to race in different categories, such as maiden races, allowance races and claiming races. The condition of a race determines which horses will be allowed to compete in it and how much they can earn.
When a horse is claimed, it becomes the property of an authorized owner for a certain price. This means the original owner gets whatever money the horse wins in the race, plus the claiming price. Consequently, the number of claiming races a horse is eligible to compete in – known as its conditional eligibility – depends on the number of races it has won or lost. A horse that has lost the maximum amount of races it can win will be barred from running in a claiming race. This is why a horse must prove its worthiness to be claimed before it can be placed in one. A claiming race is usually run on a heavy or “muddy” track. This type of surface makes it easier for a horse to slide and lose its balance on the slippery ground. A muddy track can also slow down a horse’s speed. If a horse cannot accelerate quickly, it will become exhausted and unable to finish the race. This is a common cause of death in racing.