A horse race is a type of equestrian competition between two or more horses ridden by jockeys. In a typical race, two or more horses compete over a set distance. The horses are usually divided into weights and are evaluated according to their performance. Politics and history are also a part of horse racing.
Historical context
The history of horse racing reaches back thousands of years. During the Roman Empire, it became an important form of public entertainment. Native Americans continued the sport in the form of rodeo and Indian Relay racing. The races were important social events that often incorporated important values and traditions.
Types of races
There are several different types of horse races. There are stakes races and allowance races. Stakes races usually offer the biggest purses and feature tougher competition. Owners and trainers put up a certain amount of money for each race, and the winner receives the purse. Stakes races also have specific conditions that the horse must meet. These requirements can include age, sex, and racing record.
Weights and performance of horses
One of the biggest controversies in horse racing is weights. While weights are helpful in controlling horse performance, they also create a lopsided playing field. Horses that have a good track record are given more weight, while horses that have a bad record are given less. The jockey and any safety equipment are excluded from the weight.
Politics
The politics of horse races have often been a source of controversy, especially in the presidential election. The horse race metaphor has become a popular way to frame presidential campaigns and has even prompted a complaint from President Obama. Meanwhile, a study by the Harvard Kennedy School found that less than ten percent of election coverage focuses on what policy issues the candidates are likely to face. That means that the public doesn’t know enough about the candidates’ platforms and their positions on critical policy issues to make informed choices.
Impact on business
The horse racing industry is a major economic engine for upstate New York. It generates a variety of good-paying jobs for thousands of New Yorkers and is the second-largest agribusiness in the state. In addition to generating good-paying jobs, horse racing supports hundreds of small businesses. A new coalition called “We Are NY Horse Racing” is working to raise awareness about the industry and its impact on the state’s economy. The group will engage in events, paid media, and other education initiatives.
