A horse race is a contest of speed between horses, usually ridden by jockeys or pulling sulkies driven by drivers. The winner of a horse race is the first one to finish the course within the allotted time. It is considered an extremely dangerous sport, and there have been several deaths in recent years. The sport is also known for its controversial practices.
For decades the racing form was filled with boldface “L”s, meaning that each horse had been injected with Lasix, a diuretic. The drug prevents pulmonary bleeding, a common side effect of hard running that can be deadly for horses. Lasix works by causing the horse to unload epic amounts of urine-twenty or thirty pounds worth.
Horses don’t like to run fast, but they need to be pushed to outrun their opponents, especially on oval tracks where their lower legs get a terrible pounding. This can strain tendons, ligaments and joints. They need encouragement–whipping–to keep going when they are tired. Horses can’t talk, but their riders yell at them to make them want to run faster. The horses respond by whimpering back and forth. They can’t quit the way a human athlete might, but they can stop their strides and halt their gallop.
While Lasix keeps them from keeling over, it does not prevent the inevitable pounding and injuries that come with racing. The sport is notorious for its use of performance-enhancing drugs. Blood doping, painkillers, growth hormones and antipsychotics were all used at times. Racing officials couldn’t keep up with the new drugs, and punishments for breaking the rules were often weak.
It is also not uncommon for a horse to be injured during a race, and it’s sometimes difficult for trainers to figure out what caused the injury. It could be as simple as a twisted ankle, but it can be as serious as fractures of the bones in the hindquarters. The resulting injuries can have a long-term impact on a horse’s ability to race.
In the end, even if horse races aren’t as popular as they once were, there’s still something magical about watching a great race. The horses are beautiful and powerful, their movements have a hypnotic quality. The sound of their hooves on the track, the cheering of bettors and the thunder of the whip all add to the excitement.
For many people, betting on a horse race is a thrilling experience and a fun activity to do with friends or family. However, it is important to remember that horse races can be very dangerous and that it’s important not to wager more money than you can afford to lose. If you do, you may suffer from financial hardships in the future.