What Happens Behind the Scenes of a Horse Race?
A horse race is a contest of speed between horses that are either ridden by jockeys or pulled by sulkies and drivers. While Thoroughbred races have a romanticized façade, they are full of gruesome breakdowns and slaughter. Behind the glamorous scenes, there is a world of drug abuse, traumatic injuries, and euthanasia.
A horse’s skeletal system is ill-prepared to be subjected to the stress of running at such high speeds, and many horses suffer from chronic injuries and breakdowns. To mask these injuries and enhance performance, many are given cocktails of legal and illegal drugs. Many are also injected with steroids that can lead to heart failure. Despite the medical advances that have been made, horse racing is a dangerous sport that takes a heavy toll on both humans and horses.
In order to attract more wagering money, races are often offered with larger purses. While this may be a good thing for the industry, it can have negative effects on race results and the overall health of the horses involved. This is because bigger fields mean more competition for the horses and can have a negative impact on race quality.
Before a race, the horses walk around the track in a walking ring. Bettors watch to see if the horses’ coats are bright, as this is an indicator of whether they are ready to run. When a horse balks, it is usually because it is frightened or angry. It is important that the horse’s jogs and gallops are gradual so that it can build up to the intensity of a race.
During a race, the horses are required to change leads, or positions on the track. Since racing in North America is conducted in a counter-clockwise motion, the horse will be on its right lead during the straights and on its left lead rounding the turns. It is important that the horse learns to switch leads on cue, as it can tire more quickly if it remains on the same lead for an extended period of time.
Regardless of whether an organization uses a horse race to choose its next CEO, it is crucial that it create a robust succession process that promotes the ongoing development of top candidates. The best companies develop a culture of mentoring and coaching for their senior executives, and they use external benchmarking to ensure that frontrunners meet best-in-class standards. This can help them to avoid the disruptions that can occur when a horse is chosen from within and thereby maintains a high-quality executive pipeline. If a company does not have this in place, it could find itself facing an uphill battle when it comes to filling the CEO position. Moreover, it is critical to understand that horse racing is a contest that can have a significant ripple effect on the entire organization. This is why it is so important that all parties take the time to carefully weigh their options and make informed decisions.