Horse races have always been a popular attraction for crowds, especially those with an appetite for gambling. The horses’ power and beauty, and the excitement of betting, have drawn crowds to the grandstands, even as state governments imposed steep taxes on betting revenues. The crowds have been diverse, but the bettors share a love of the sport. They cheer a specific horse by its number and boo a long shot if it fails to finish in the money. In the 1930s, impoverished states turned to the lucrative honey pot of horse racing as a way to boost tax revenue. The sport became popular across the country as people sought relief from their dreadful economic conditions for a day, a week or, in a few cases, a lifetime.
In the early days of the sport, races were short and over a variety of distances. But as the industry grew, race lengths increased and the races were more rigorous. Horses were allocated weights to reflect their abilities, with additional allowances for age, sex and training. In the top divisions, known as stakes races, a win required an impressive combination of speed and stamina.
The best horses were able to run the longest and fastest and, therefore, commanded the biggest purses. The best trainers, jockeys and owners developed a sense of what was needed to compete for these large rewards. A few horses, such as Seabiscuit, rose to prominence, becoming the darlings of the public and inspiring a new generation to follow in their footsteps.
Today’s horse races last up to two hours. Most are conducted over dirt, but some are contested on grass or synthetic surfaces. The most prestigious races are held on the turf at major tracks. In addition to offering larger prize purses, the turf offers a more natural environment for horses and spectators.
A horse’s skin reflects its condition, so the trainer and rider must pay close attention to their horses. If a horse’s skin becomes bruised, sore or discolored, it may be unfit to run. Injuries can be severe, with some horses never able to run again.
Horses are ridden by jockeys who wear silks to designate the owner and, at some tracks, to mark their post positions (yellow for one, blue for two, etc.). The racetracks are filled with specialized equipment to monitor the condition of the horses, including digital cameras to monitor the horses’ vital signs and to assess their gait.
A steward can disqualify a horse for violating rules governing the safety of the horses or for being unruly. The steward can also order a horse’s withdrawal from the race if the horse shows signs of illness or injury.