A front runner is a horse that wants to run near the lead during the stretch run. A race is divided into various types based on the distance classification. A quarter horse is a breed of fast quarter miler. In addition, some races are classified as middle distance races, which are longer than seven furlongs, and as marathons, which are longer than a mile. Then, there are the Grade I and Grade II race courses, which are the highest forms of racing and are known as the Triple Crown.
Despite its prestigious reputation, horse racing is still associated with the aristocratic side. A report from the Jockey Club in 2011 found that the sport was losing a large number of fans, race days, and entries to gambling. The Jockey Club’s study pointed to a number of aristocratic elements in the sport, including overbreeding and the use of drugs. Aside from the aristocratic side of racing, however, the sports’ popularity is rooted in its appeal to diverse audiences. While the early days of racing were a bit less organized, the Diomed, a postwar import from England, was a talented stallion and bred many talented offspring.
Despite a growing awareness of these negative aspects, the industry has managed to improve its reputation. The Jockey Club reported that racing was suffering from a dwindling fan base, losing race days and entries and revenues. Meanwhile, there has been a rise in allegations of animal cruelty, including the use of illegal drugs, overbreeding, and injuries to racehorses. In the United States, the PETA group investigates abusive training practices of young horses, the use of drugs, and the fate of American horses in foreign slaughterhouses.
In recent years, the sport has seen improvements, but the dark side remains a big issue. The Jockey Club reported that horse racing is facing declining popularity and fewer race days. Some reports have also uncovered a decline in fan base, which has affected revenues, race days, and entries. Moreover, the Jockey Club has also warned that the industry is plagued with injuries and overbreeding of horses. In addition, the use of illegal drugs has increased the risk of pulmonary hemorrhage, which is a life-threatening condition.
Several studies have outlined the risks of injury during race activities. The majority of deaths in racing are due to damage sustained during exercise, such as fractures, dislocations, and tendon ruptures. In addition, the rate of injury during races is eight times higher than in races between standardbreds and thoroughbreds. Additionally, injuries to the kidneys and heart are common. A recent study cited the use of lasix as a performance-enhancing drug in horseracing.
A study by the Jockey Club in 2011 revealed that the industry is suffering from a deteriorating fan base and is losing entries, revenue, and race days. Injuries and abuse are prevalent in the industry, and the numbers of fatalities are rising as more people become aware of the problems. Injuries that occurred during exercise are a major cause of racehorse deaths. Some animals suffer from a lack of food or water.