Horse races are one of the oldest sports, and their basic concept has undergone little change over the centuries. They started as primitive contests of speed or stamina between two horses and have now grown into an elaborate spectacle involving thousands of runners, sophisticated electronic monitoring equipment, and enormous sums of money. But the essential feature remains: the horse that crosses the finish line first is the winner. The term horse race has also come to be applied more broadly to any close competition involving equines, including political contests. With all the mud-slinging, name calling and attack ads in this election season, it’s easy to think of the presidential campaign as nothing more than a horse race.
The sport of horse racing is a fascinating one, combining elements of science, art, culture, and social history. Its roots reach back into ancient civilizations, and archaeological records suggest that it has been practiced in many cultures around the world throughout the ages. Today, there are more than 80 countries worldwide that host thoroughbred horse racing events, and the sport continues to attract millions of spectators.
When journalists cover elections by focusing mainly on who is winning or losing — what is sometimes called “horse race journalism” — voters, candidates and news outlets all suffer, according to research studies. This updated roundup of research examines the consequences of this type of coverage and offers tips for more balanced reporting.
Horse Race
Horse racing is a form of competition in which the fastest horse wins. The sport’s earliest contests were match races between two or more horses, and bettors placed wagers on the outcome of these encounters. An owner who withdrew from a match race forfeited half or even the whole purse, and agreements were recorded by disinterested third parties, known as keepers of the match book.
As the popularity of racing grew, so did the need for standardized rules. These included grading systems that assessed a horse’s ability by evaluating the speed and endurance of its performances in elite races. The grading system evolved to take into account the types of courses, distances, and surface conditions on which horses competed, as well as factors such as age, sex, and birthplace. In addition to a horse’s rating, it was also necessary to ensure the safety of both horse and rider by requiring riders to be licensed and certified.
As the sport became more professional, breeders sought to produce faster equines. British soldiers returning from desert battle fronts with tales of their opponents’ steeds sprinting across the sands inspired them to develop leaner, faster horses, which became known as Thoroughbreds. Their superior speed and agility attracted gawkers, and the advent of oval tracks that provided spectators with a clear view further enhanced racing’s appeal. By the early 20th century, it had become a multi-billion dollar industry.