Horse races have become a major industry that involves many people and provides thrills to the spectators. Besides, the horse race has its own charm and attracts people from all over the world. Initially, it was popularized by the Romans who used them to transport themselves. Later on, the game became a popular sport for the British. They introduced it to other countries as well. Today, there is a huge demand for horse racing due to the increased interest in betting and sports.
During a horse race, the jockey is responsible for riding the horse. He is required to take the position that is most advantageous to the horse. This is because a horse must make a great deal of effort in order to win the race. The jockey also has to be able to anticipate the movements of his rivals and plan accordingly. The horse race is a dangerous sport, so the safety of the riders is very important.
Before the race, horses are given a warm-up, where they can practice their jumping and running skills. These sessions are a good time for the onlookers to see how the horse interacts with its rider and whether it is in good condition. A good performance in these sessions can give a clue about how the horse will perform during the actual race.
As the popularity of horse racing grew, breeders began to develop leaner, faster horses. They imported Middle Eastern sires, which led to the formation of a new breed known as the Thoroughbred. These leaner, faster equines attracted more gawkers and helped the sport grow immensely. New oval tracks that offered spectators a better view further contributed to the sport’s growth.
The sport has a long history of controversy. The most controversial issue is the use of drugs on horses. Most horses are given cocktails of legal and illegal drugs designed to mask injuries, reduce the risk of bleeding in the lungs during exercise, and artificially enhance their performance. These substances are ingested orally and intravenously, and can have serious health effects for horses and their riders.
In addition, there are a variety of injuries associated with horse racing. Some of these are minor, while others are severe and often fatal. One example of a severe injury is a deep flexor tendon injury, which occurs in the front leg between the knee and hock, or in the rear leg between the hock and foot. These muscles are critical to the movement of the horse, but can be damaged by repeated stress during a race. Moreover, these horses are constantly pushed to their limits, which can cause them to bleed from their lungs and suffer from exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage. This can be life threatening for the animal, and is often prevented by the administration of corticosteroids.