The word “horse race” is often used to refer to a nail-biting political campaign, but it’s also a metaphor for an arduous and risky journey that can result in a successful conclusion. For example, the horse race model of leadership development involves grooming several talented employees through a series of critical roles before giving them the opportunity to compete for a top position in the organization. Proponents of this management approach say that it helps ensure the best person for the job gets it and provides a solid foundation for future growth.
Behind the romanticized facade of Thoroughbred racing lies a world of brutal injuries, drug abuse, gruesome breakdowns and slaughter. Bred for speed at the expense of bone mass and general well-being, these animals are forced to run — sometimes for their lives — in races that push them far beyond their limits. They are prone to debilitating medical conditions, including bleeding lungs and ringbone, and they are often killed by heart attacks or severe leg fractures. The racing industry is also plagued with corruption. In 2008, a trainer of the superstar racehorse Big Brown boasted openly about using powerful legal steroids to boost his star’s performance before the Belmont Stakes. In the end, Big Brown finished last and was later euthanized.
Like most sports with a strong gambling culture, horse racing is subject to substantial betting activity, and journalists on the beat must be able to interpret complicated numbers for real individuals who will place actual money at stake. Greenberg says he takes his responsibility to provide thorough context for readers very seriously, especially when he makes recommendations, as in the case of making picks ahead of races. This means doing the hard work of examining all the material costs associated with the sport, and going deeper than simply comparing racing times and creating number-crunching methodologies.
One of the most significant challenges in horse racing is dealing with the high incidence of injuries. Horses are often slammed into each other and the track surface, and they may become disoriented or panicked as they are accelerated from a dead stop to full gallop. They are vulnerable to lacerations and broken bones, and they are prone to fracturing their scapulae (shoulders) and splinting their hocks. This is called a “breakdown” and can be incredibly gruesome to witness, as it occurs in full view of the spectators who had just cheered them on.
A splint can be extremely difficult to remove, and the horse will need months to recover fully from the injury. This can significantly lengthen a race and reduce the likelihood of a winning horse.
Ownership turnover in racing is high, with most horses being sold or “claimed” multiple times in their careers. In a two-month period in 2011, more than 2,000 horses were callously sold through this process, which can leave previous owners with no control over where their former stars ultimately wind up. Many will find new lives as equestrians, but some will be shot or otherwise put down and slaughtered for their flesh.