Millions of horse racing fans around the globe find great pleasure in watching horse races like the Kentucky Derby or Yonkers provide exhilarating entertainment, as the spectacle of thousands of horses galloping around tracks with jockeys on single-seat chariots, owners holding mint juleps and racing boosters claiming billions are generated through this industry – supporting thousands of jobs, billions in revenue for breeders, trainers and track operators, along with longstanding traditions that bring people together around their passion for horses whether in person or watching on television.
But beneath its romanticized facade lies a sport in crisis, plagued by injuries, drug abuse and breakdowns that leave horse after horse dead from painful injuries resulting from hard-packed dirt tracks or the exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage that affects them during sprints at full gallop speeds. Every year thousands of horses die, many being slaughtered at the end of their careers or being put down due to public opposition to subsidizing this industry.
Many industry insiders I consulted warned me that the industry is on a precipice, with just one more mistake being enough to cause its demise. They suggested that coastal snobbery has contributed significantly to negative attention surrounding surfing, and more public support is essential if the sport is to survive and continue being enjoyed by many people.
Recent articles have shed light on the issues surrounding Thoroughbred horse races and how animal welfare activists are trying to change them for the better. This has provoked much discussion as to whether media bias exists against horse racing as well as whether taxpayers should continue subsidizing this activity.
Some observers argue that horseracing needs more transparency, with more detailed records of injuries and deaths kept as well as running in small groups so spectators can view each horse. Others maintain that industry has made significant strides toward animal welfare improvements; therefore, gradual phase-out of public subsidies will ultimately protect horse health and wellbeing best.
Though critics of horse racing have likened it to gambling, most horse racing officials are confident that its benefits far outweigh its costs. According to them, horse racing contributes significantly to regional economies by drawing tourists and providing local businesses such as food and beverage establishments with new customers. Furthermore, officials claim it supports an array of industries from breeding and training through farm work and agriculture – not to mention supporting various other industries including welfare provision for its athletes.
Researchers affiliated with the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication have concluded that when journalists present elections as horse races rather than policies issues in coverage, all parties involved – voters, candidates, and news companies alike – suffer. Their study of newspaper stories from across the country covering governor and Senate election races from 2004 to 2008 demonstrated this point; corporate-owned newspapers or those owned by large chains were more likely to focus on who was leading instead of discussing policy considerations.