The horse race is an old leadership practice that involves selecting the company’s next CEO by running a contest among several senior-level executives. While critics point to its potential for disrupting business operations, proponents say that when done correctly, a horse race can help an organization develop its people and strengthen its management team. It can also help ensure that the right competencies and seasoning are in place to succeed at a critical level, they add.
Despite the many challenges faced by horse racing, it is still an industry that fascinates millions of fans worldwide. Its storied traditions range from ceremonial pageantry to the love of the horses themselves. However, growing awareness of the darker side of the sport – including abusive training practices for young horses, drug use and transport to slaughter – has fueled efforts to improve the health and safety of the animals.
A horse race is a competition whereby the rider attempts to win a prize by guiding a racehorse through a set of obstacles or a course of races while avoiding penalties. The rules of the game vary from country to country, but most races are held on a grass track with a curved oval shape. In a steeplechase, the riders attempt to jump hurdles that are placed at various points along the course.
Horse racing is a dangerous sport, and it can lead to serious injuries for both the horses and the riders. One of the most common problems is exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage, a condition where the horse’s lungs can’t handle the intensity of the exercise and it causes them to bleed internally. The condition can be fatal for the horse, but is usually treatable by administering a drug called Lasix or Salix.
In order to maintain a fair and level playing field, horses are divided into different levels based on their performance. Typically, the fastest horses compete in graded stakes races while the least accomplished run in non-graded stakes. The highest class of race is called a handicap, and the racing secretary or track handicapper assigns weight based on past performances to give all horses an equal chance of winning.
The great Zenyatta was a legendary racehorse who stood over 17 hands high and weighed more than 1200 pounds. She was the first American horse to win the Triple Crown, and she did it despite having a club foot and being unable to wear shoes. Zenyatta was famous for her pre-race “dancing” routine, which many believed was a way to release pent up energy.
Ownership turnover is high in horse racing, and most Thoroughbreds will be claimed at some time during their careers. Claimable races provide the opportunity for owners to buy a horse at a bargain price and take control of him immediately after the race, which creates a risk-reward scenario for trainers who may want their horses to be claiming in certain races. This system has helped to ensure that the sport remains a viable industry for wagering.
