A horse race is a sport that involves horses competing against each other in a contest of speed, endurance and stamina. It has been practiced since ancient times, and archeological records have shown that it was used in many cultures including Ancient Greece, Rome, Babylon, Syria, Egypt and Arabia. The modern day sport is a multibillion dollar industry that provides a thrilling spectacle for millions of people around the world. While racing continues to hold a special place in the hearts of fans, it is at a pivotal point and the future of the industry is uncertain.

The prestige and money associated with winning a race inspired breeders to try to produce faster equines. British soldiers returning from desert battle fronts had told stories of their opponents’ astounding horse speed, and this helped fuel the development of a new breed, which became known as the Thoroughbred. This breed was leaner and more compact, allowing it to travel further on each stride. New oval tracks that allowed spectators to see more of the action added further to the appeal of racing.

While racetracks have made major improvements in safety and veterinary care for horses, there are still concerns about animal welfare. In particular, horses are prone to suffering from the use of electric shocks as a training method, and there are allegations of horse doping, injuries and even death.

Racing experts say that these issues are not sustainable for the long-term, and they will ultimately lead to a loss of public support, which is the lifeblood of this multibillion-dollar business. A few more missteps could lead to the demise of a once-flourishing industry that supports thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic activity, including the hundreds of thousands of farms that produce the horses who race.

Some insiders argue that criticism of the industry is based on coastal snobbery, and that critics are imposing “blue-state values” onto what is a red-state, rural enterprise. They also say that it is unfair to pit the economic success of the sport against the suffering of the horses, who are at the heart of its operation and, unfortunately, sometimes the victims of abuse. They are often the subjects of cruel training practices, drug abuse and injury, and too often end up in foreign slaughterhouses. But they are also incredibly resilient, and they continue to inspire people worldwide. In the end, the most important aspect of any horse race is the fact that it is a sport that is rooted in the love and respect for these magnificent creatures. Their efforts to run and win are what make this sport so magical for millions of followers. They deserve the chance to live their lives to the fullest. The story of Canonero II, the unlikely winner of the 1971 Kentucky Derby and the inspiration for the film The Grey Fox, is just one example of this. Despite unbelievable odds, this little horse found the strength and courage to race his way to victory.