Horse races have long been an enjoyable spectator sport that has been enjoyed around the globe for centuries. Horse racing tests both speed and stamina and serves as an enjoyable source of entertainment and revenue for race track owners and fans. Unfortunately, however, horse racing industry is facing some significant hurdles; its popularity is declining against other forms of sports while an increasing number of people consider horse racing cruel and unnecessary.
History of Horse Racing in the US begins with colonists importing British horses and adopting many of their traditions, yet after the American Revolution anti-British sentiment lead them to break with English race traditions in favour of creating their own unique ones.
At first, horse racing wasn’t as organized as it is today. In fact, its first organized race wasn’t recorded until 1752 or 1756 when Janus was imported to Virginia and imported as a fast horse for racetrack events. Though its early days weren’t structured as tightly as modern day horse racing is, its popularity quickly spread due to horses’ strength and the potential of winning bets to yield huge profits; gambling on race outcomes has always been part of this sport since its inception.
Modern horse racing is a multi-billion dollar business. A significant share of revenue generated from this sport goes towards purses and track operations; additionally, horse racing generates local and state tax revenue and offers employment for many people in areas with limited economic prospects.
Behind the romanticized facade of horse racing lies a dark reality: injuries, drug use, breakdowns, and slaughter. Horses are forced to run at high speeds under threat of whips or illegal electric-shock devices at speeds which often cause traumatization and internal hemorrhaging of their lungs; according to one estimate in North America alone three thoroughbreds die each day as a result of catastrophic injuries suffered on tracks.
Despite these issues, the industry is working hard to improve its image. New technologies are being implemented into track operations such as high-tech equine health monitoring systems and betting terminals – these advancements help the sport stay relevant while increasing safety. But the industry still faces hurdles before becoming a legitimate and sustainable enterprise. For example, its current system for allocating revenue among racetracks and government agencies is outdated and ineffective. New York racetracks must contribute 12% of their gross revenues to the New York Racing Association, which uses those funds primarily for purses and operations of racetracks. While this arrangement has its benefits, it also skews public perception of horse racing and may dissuade voters from supporting it. Strategic news coverage that emphasizes electoral politics over policy issues–known as horse race reporting–can lead to voter distrust of political processes according to various studies.