Horse racing is a global sport steeped in centuries of history, culture, and tradition. From chariot races to today’s glamorous racetracks, this competitive spectacle draws millions of spectators each year to cheer their favorite horses to victory. But behind the elegant facade of the sport lies a dark world of broken bones, drug abuse, and gruesome breakdowns, while the horses themselves endure a harsh life of pain and suffering.

The sport began as a means of transportation and survival, then evolved into a cultural phenomenon and a celebration of human and equine spirit. Today, the world’s best thoroughbreds compete in prestigious races around the globe, while fans bet on the outcome and revel in the traditions that make horse racing unique.

While a few brave activists have stood up to the industry and protested at racetracks, most of those who love and support horse racing will go back next year and bet on their favorites. But there’s an alternative. Instead of betting on a horse race, you can place your bet on an equine charity. And your winnings will help care for the health and welfare of horses across the country.

A horse race is a competition in which participants try to win by outrunning the other contestants. Horses are prey animals, and moving fast is their natural instinct. But despite their natural instinct to move fast, the horses used in racing are often trained to run so fast that they break their bones and cause injuries like pulmonary hemorrhage. They are also given cocktails of legal and illegal drugs to mask their injuries and enhance performance, and they are pushed beyond their limits.

During elections, many news outlets frame political campaigns as a horse race by focusing on public opinion polls and giving more attention to frontrunners and underdogs who gain or lose momentum. This strategy reflects the ups and downs of a horse race, and it may have negative consequences for voters’ attitudes and perceptions.

The concept of what is natural has a profound influence on the breeding, training, handling and racing of thoroughbreds. This study uses semi-structured interviews and photo-elicitation to examine how key industry and animal advocacy informants conceptualise naturalness, and how this influences their interpretations of common racing practices that have potential welfare impacts for the horses.

The Kentucky Derby is the most watched horse race in the United States. Last year, Sonneteer drew headlines for running in the race as a maiden, meaning he had never won a major stakes race before. This was a big deal for some observers, who wondered whether he would be able to handle the pressure of competing against more experienced horses. The truth is that racedays are a stressful time for all horses, regardless of their experience level. But the stress is even greater for the young horses who are started in rigorous training at a very early age and then forced to sprint to the finish line when their bodies are not ready for it.