Horse racing is a sport steeped in centuries of history, culture and tradition. From the majestic Thoroughbreds on the track to the grandstand filled with fans, horse racing is a competition that thrills and delights.
The earliest recorded mention of horse racing comes from the ancient world, with archaeological records showing that both chariot and bareback (mounted) races were held in the 7th century bc in Asia Minor. The first book on horse racing is also from this era, a manual that outlines the training and care of horses for racing.
As civilizations developed, so too did horse racing and its popularity grew. It became an important part of the Olympic Games, with chariot and bareback races held there from about the 9th or 8th century bc. Horses were prized for their speed and endurance, making them ideal for racing and other competitive events.
Today, the sport continues to attract millions of fans and participants worldwide, including thoroughbred owners, trainers and jockeys, who take great pride in their animals. For many, the highlight of a race is standing in the winner’s circle after crossing the finish line with their horse. There, they enjoy the company of fellow race winners and celebrate a moment in time that is uniquely theirs.
There are a variety of factors that determine how well a horse will perform in a race, but weight is the most significant factor for all horses. In most races, each horse is assigned a specific amount of weight to carry, with allowances for younger horses and female runners. Some races are handicapped more than others, with the best horses in a field allocated less weight than those with lower ability.
Historically, horse races have been organized by age, sex, and birthplace to create more fair competition between horses with similar abilities. In the 18th and 19th centuries, these rules evolved to allow for more public racing, which led to the creation of races for different breeds. For example, Quarter Horses are sprinters that can race at a very high speed of up to 55 miles per hour, while Thoroughbreds are longer distance and endurance runner horses.
The original King’s Plates, for instance, were standardized races for six-year-olds running at four-mile heats and carrying 168 pounds, with the winner of two or more heats declared the champion. This style of racing was common throughout Europe until the 1860s, when newer methods were introduced that allowed more horses to participate in a race at one time.
With all the mudslinging, name calling and attack ads that accompany a presidential campaign, the real issues at stake can get lost in the mix. But recent research suggests that when journalists focus primarily on who’s ahead and behind, instead of the policy debates, they can actually harm the political process. This updated roundup of research looks at what’s known as “horse race coverage,” and how it can be harmful to voters, candidates and the news industry itself.