by Horse racing is an ancient sport with roots in civilizations around the world since the earliest days of organized equestrian culture. It is a thrilling event that has entertained and inspired spectators for generations. The clip-clop of horses’ hooves as they speed down the track creates a mesmerizing rhythm that draws people to the races. Some people enjoy betting on the winners of various races, adding an extra level of excitement to the spectacle.
The popularity of horse races has been fueled by their ability to generate large amounts of revenue, including gambling and sponsorships. The races are also popular with a wide range of sports fans, and are often held in conjunction with other events such as concerts, fairs, and festivals.
Despite the lucrative financial rewards, horse races are not without their problems. One such issue is animal welfare, which has long been a major concern for many outside the racing industry. The isolation and confinement of racehorses, which can cause the not-infrequent injuries that Arthur references, are particularly distressing to animal rights advocates. The use of drugs such as corticosteroids to make the horses faster and more likely to win are another source of alarm for animal lovers.
While the sport of horse racing is a source of national pride and entertainment for many people, it has been the focus of numerous scandals. In addition to gambling corruption, which is still prevalent in some states, there have been allegations of illegal drug use, and many horses have been injured or killed during races. Despite these scandals, many state governments continue to endorse the sport of horse racing.
A classic succession “horse race” pits two or three senior executives against each other in a battle over performance, with the winner becoming the next chief executive officer. While this approach is not without its benefits, some governance experts and executives are uncomfortable with this type of overt competition, which can have a negative impact on the organization.
As the election nears, mudslinging, name calling, and attack ads can obscure the issues at stake in this presidential race. But even when these tactics are absent, research suggests that news coverage of elections tends to frame them as a horse race—focusing on who’s ahead or behind rather than policy concerns. This collection of studies explores this horse-race framing, and examines the consequences for voters, candidates, and journalists.
