When a horse race is in progress, the crowds cheer and the television channels blare. But behind the scenes, a complex mathematical model is being applied to decide whether to back one of the horses to win. The formula is based on many variables, including the horses’ past performances and their pedigrees. It also takes into account the size and curves of the track, as well as the friction from the surface.
The race was a long one, with the lead changing hands often. On the far turn, War of Will hung close to the inside rail. McKinzie and Mongolian Groom surged by. Then, at the top of the stretch, Vino Rosso, a big chestnut colt, made his move on the outside. The three were vying for the victory, and as they accelerated towards the finish line, you could hear the sound of thousands of humans switching from cheering to screaming.
While the number of races is down, the overall purse money has gone up. This is largely due to the rise of online betting, which has given the public an opportunity to make wagers without ever leaving their homes. This increase has also prompted more companies to invest in breeding and training facilities for thoroughbreds. In addition, racetracks have been renovating their facilities to meet the increased demand for live racing.
However, a large portion of the racing industry is not profitable. In order for the sport to survive, it needs to become more lucrative. This will require a change in the way that racehorses are trained and prepared to compete, as well as how the sport is conducted. Currently, the majority of racehorses are drugged, whipped, and pushed to the limits of their physical abilities. As a result, many die from heart attacks and broken limbs. According to the animal rights group, PETA, ten thousand American thoroughbreds are slaughtered annually.
The most important thing that the racing industry can do is to reform its policies and procedures in order to improve the quality of life for the horses. This can be accomplished by reducing the amount of solitary confinement that these animals endure, by limiting the amount of drugs that are administered to them, and by ensuring that they are not raced beyond their prime. These changes can be made with the help of people who care about the future of horse racing. This includes the fans, trainers, and owners who donate their money to help these animals. Until serious reform is implemented, the death of another Eight Belles or Medina Spirit will not go unnoticed.