The Post-Pandemic Horse Race
Horse racing is more than just a sport, it’s an industry steeped in tradition. From ancient chariot races to the grandeur of modern-day events, horse racing has a rich history of competition and elegance that continues to capture the hearts of audiences around the world. Whether you’re drawn to the thrill of betting or the majesty of the horses, horse racing has something for everyone.
The Post-Pandemic Horse Race
A year after the pandemic, thoroughbred horse racing flourished. TVG, the all-racing channel included in many sports cable packages, saw a surge of new viewers as fans were locked indoors, unable to wager on other sports. TVG offered a slew of racing races, from Japan and Hong Kong to Australia, to keep the audience interested. The sport’s aficionados found the races to be more compelling than ever, with long shots pulling off upsets and etching their names into racing history.
But it was not all good news for the sport of horse racing. During the pandemic, the number of drug-related deaths increased significantly, putting additional pressure on an already underfunded industry. The racetracks’ aging facilities were overwhelmed, and the veterinary staff was not equipped to deal with the influx of injured horses. The veterinary profession’s drug testing capabilities were also inadequate. Powerful painkillers and anti-inflammatories designed for human use bled over into training, and racing officials were ill-equipped to detect them.
Horse races are a high-stress event for animals that have been bred to have massive torsos and spindly legs. They are thrown into intensive training at 18 months and begin racing at age 2, the rough equivalent of a first-grader. They must learn to run, jump and negotiate tight turns before they can be tamed enough to become a racehorse. And as a result, they are susceptible to catastrophic injuries.
Injuries to the limbs of horses are common in the sport, as are condylar fractures, which occur when the bones of the leg break through bone cysts. Horses also suffer from arthritic conditions and degenerative joint disease. Despite their infirmities, however, the equine body is an impressive piece of engineering.
The Long Shot Narrative
In a sport often dominated by large stables and big-money operations, the long shot serves as a counterbalance. These underdogs embody the dreams of every small-time owner, trainer and bettor who dares to believe in the face of overwhelming odds. Long shots enthrall fans and captivate the media, but they also play a critical role in breaking up the monotony of a sport that can become repetitive when the same horses win over and over again.
Whether you back a favorite or a long shot, it’s important to understand the factors that make each horse unique. Analyzing a horse’s performance history, considering the track surface and weather conditions and understanding the intricacies of handicapping are key to placing a winning bet. A little research can go a long way to making the next horse race an exciting and memorable experience.