Horse racing is a sport that combines the competitive excitement of a nail-biting horse race with ceremonial pageantry, and it has drawn millions of fans worldwide who are united by their love for these magnificent creatures. However, it remains a dangerous sport in which the horses suffer from poor track conditions, excessive use of drugs and other medical problems. In recent years, many authorities have stepped up their efforts to protect the well-being of these animals.
The Kentucky Derby is a horse race for three-year-old Thoroughbreds, the first leg of the Triple Crown. It is traditionally held on the first Saturday in June at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. It is sometimes called The Run for the Roses or The Run for Carnations, and is considered the most prestigious flat race in the world. It is one of the most difficult races for horses to win, as it requires both speed and stamina.
In addition to being pushed to their physical limits, most horses are subjected to cocktails of legal and illegal drugs that mask injuries and artificially enhance their performance. For example, in order to reduce the risk of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (bleeding from the lungs), which can be exacerbated by hot or cold temperatures, many horses are preemptively administered a diuretic known as Lasix. Many horses will bleed from the lungs as they are being led out to the starting gate, and the injury is often fatal.
During the course of a race, horses have to be ridden by jockeys, who have to maintain control over the animals while trying to avoid losing their balance and falling off them. As a result, jockeys often wear helmets and protective clothing to minimize the risk of injury from falling off a horse or being kicked by other riders. Despite these precautions, accidents do happen on the track.
The most infamous incident occurred in 1907, when Cigar, the favorite to win the Preakness Stakes, fractured his leg after being kicked by a rival horse during the race. The injuries of Cigar and Barbaro fueled widespread outrage against the sport of horse racing, leading to increased regulation and public awareness.
As the sport continues to evolve, animal welfare advocates continue to push for reforms that will improve the lives of the horses. For example, in recent decades, many tracks have shifted to safer and more comfortable paved tracks, and regulations have been put in place to prevent overuse of certain medications. The most controversial issue remains the treatment of injured or sick horses, and it is now common practice for veterinarians to administer sedatives to horses after they have been wounded.
When journalists frame elections as a horse race, focusing mainly on polls and predictions rather than on policy issues, voters, candidates and the media suffer, research shows. These horse-race-like news stories also elevate the public’s cynicism toward politics and may discourage voting. A recent study found that these strategic news stories are most prominent in corporate-owned or large-chain newspapers, and they are more likely to occur in close races and during the weeks leading up to Election Day.
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