The Dark Side of Horse Racing
For centuries, a day at the races has entranced spectators. But while the sport has remained true to its roots and traditions, technological advances have allowed horse racing to evolve at an unprecedented pace. From thermal imaging cameras that detect overheating horses post-race to MRI scanners and endoscopes that diagnose a variety of health issues, the industry has improved significantly in recent years.
The modern thoroughbred racehorse is a powerful beast with an engine built to churn out top speeds. But underneath the glossy coats and gleaming shoes, these sensitive animals are fragile, suffering from injuries and breakdowns that often lead to euthanasia or the slaughterhouse. Behind the romanticized facade of horse racing lies a world of brutal training practices, illegal drug use, and gruesome slaughterhouses. As more horse lovers become aware of the dark side of the multibillion-dollar business, it is threatening the future of the sport.
During the 1800’s, short racing fell out of style and strong, rugged western horses were bred to carry riders and supplies over long distances. These fast and reliable beasts were known as “steel dusters” because they could transport everything a family needed from the east to the west. With ankles the size of a Coke bottle and hooves the size of a crystal ashtray, these hefty creatures can gallop at speeds up to 35 miles per hour.
In order to achieve such incredible feats, thoroughbreds are trained intensively. The jockeys who ride them must be strong and agile, able to hold on to a horse while riding over difficult terrain at breakneck speed. These athletes also need to be smart, as they must decide when and how to apply the whip to get the best results.
The most successful jockeys are able to communicate with their horses and understand what they need in order to run at peak performance. They also know when a horse has reached its maximum speed and can predict whether it will continue to improve or decline in the future. The sport uses Beyer speed figures, which were popularized by Andrew Beyer in his 1975 book “Picking Winners.” The figures take into account a horse’s average pace, the rate at which it reached its maximum speed, and the track’s inherent speed on a given day.
Despite their beauty and power, many horses never make it to the winner’s circle. Some are euthanized after suffering crippling injuries, and others find their way to slaughterhouses in Canada, Mexico, or Japan. But even when they are beaten, broken, and exhausted, racehorses can still win the hearts of spectators.
After a long career that can span more than 10 years, a winning horse like Mystik Dan may retire tomorrow to live out his days as a breeding foal. He will mate twice a day with 155 mares and potentially earn $31 million over his stud career. That’s a lot more money than he would have earned as a racehorse. But while he will have the best of care, most other racehorses do not.