What is a Horse Race?
A horse race is a contest in which one or more horses are matched against each other on the track to determine which will win. In business, a classic succession “horse race” pits two or more recognized candidates in an overt competition for the role of chief executive officer within an established time frame. While some executives and governance observers are uncomfortable with this approach because of its impact on internal collaboration and teamwork, it has proven successful for many admired companies.
Races can be run on dirt, grass or synthetic tracks. They may be short sprint races, or longer distance races known as routes in the United States and staying races in Europe. The horses competing in a race are usually given weights designed to equalize their winning chances; the better a horse’s record, the more weight it will be assigned to carry.
When a horse wins a race, its owner receives a percentage of the total prize money. This percentage varies from race to race and can be as high as 40%. The money a horse earns can be used to pay for boarding, food and other costs. It is also common for owners to invest some of the winnings in a new horse or in more racing opportunities for their current horses.
Horses that are not ready to run in a stakes race can be entered in an allowance race. These races are designed for horses that have broken their maiden but are not yet ready to compete against stakes competitors. The horses in these races might be given a weight advantage depending on their record or age.
In the wild, horses love to move fast and enjoy running together as a group. But in a race, horses are pushed to run beyond their natural ability, which leads to a number of debilitating and fatal injuries. For example, if a horse is pushed too hard, it can suffer from bleeding lungs or ringbone, heart attacks or even break its neck, back or legs.
As a result, it is not surprising that some people are concerned about the welfare of horses in racing. A recent Gallup poll showed that 38% of Americans support banning animal racing. While some people are concerned that this will negatively affect the economy, others point to the fact that many horse breeders and racetracks have shifted away from breeding and racing stockbreds to focus on the care of their retirees. The equine industry is also addressing health, safety and welfare issues in its facilities. However, the enduring popularity of horse racing has left some who oppose the sport feeling that change is not coming quickly enough.