Horse racing has a long and distinguished history and was practiced in many ancient civilizations, including Ancient Greece, Rome, Babylon, Syria, and Arabia. It has also played an important role in legend, as exemplified by the contest between the god Odin and the giant Hrungnir in Norse mythology. Despite the enduring popularity of horse races, they have come under increasing scrutiny for their inhumane treatment of racehorses. The exploitation of these animals is an ongoing scandal that threatens the sport’s reputation and future.
Despite a great deal of media attention, the plight of the horses in racing is far from being fully understood by the public. A recent study by Johanna Dunaway and Regina G. Lawrence of the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication found that a significant percentage of print newspaper coverage of political races frames elections as competitive games, rather than as democratically mandated democratic contests. This tendency was most prevalent in close races and during the weeks leading up to election day.
The study’s findings were based on a review of 10,784 newspaper articles published between Sept. 1 and Election Day in 2004 and 2006. The researchers focused on coverage of the races for governor and U.S. Senate, as well as for state and local offices in a range of geographic areas. Their analysis showed that newspapers with multiple owners were more likely to write about the elections in this way, as were those that emphasized corporate ownership.
One of the key reasons for this widespread misunderstanding is that most people have never actually witnessed a horse race in person. The majority of the public’s exposure to the sport comes through television, and in particular, through TVG. This all-racing channel, included in most sports cable packages, is devoted almost exclusively to horse races and has become a breeding ground for new fans.
While some of these new viewers may be drawn to the sport by its excitement and glamour, most are lured by the betting opportunities and low wagering limits. But the truth is that horse racing is a brutally demanding activity that injures and even kills horses at an alarming rate. Moreover, the racing industry fails to provide adequate post-race care for its injured and stressed-out athletes.
While the sport is attempting to rebuild its image, it has not yet addressed its most pressing concerns. Until the industry commits to an industry-sponsored wraparound aftercare solution for its ex-racehorses, it will be impossible for them to reclaim a respectable place in American culture. In the meantime, a great many of these equine athletes are hemorrhaging into the slaughter pipeline in Mexico and Canada, where they are often subject to arbitrary ransom demands by unscrupulous brokers. They will die unnecessarily if not for the tireless efforts of independent nonprofit horse rescue groups, who network, fundraise and fight to save them.