Horse racing is an engaging spectacle of long odds, historic traditions, and ceremonial pageantry that has long captivated bettors of all kinds – whether they be hardcore daily bettors or casual visitors to grandstands – as its lasting appeal attracts millions worldwide. When one of its longshot contenders secures the Triple Crown – an event which often results in wild applause from spectators worldwide – this feat evokes applause from fans around the globe.
Behind its glamorous facade lies a reality of drugs and injuries, horrific breakdowns and slaughter. One study of Thoroughbred racehorses showed that one out of every 22 races experienced injuries severe enough to stop finishing; another estimate estimated 3 thoroughbred deaths daily on tracks worldwide.
These horses are trained to sprint under the threat of whips and electric shock devices, often at high speeds on hard tracks at great distance. Racing at such high speeds causes serious trauma that may even result in fatal hemorrhaging from the lungs.
Horse racing has endured millennia despite these difficulties and is one of the world’s most popular sports today. Fast-paced, adrenaline-charged races draw crowds that rival football and baseball matches; millions more watch on TV as racehorses become highly sought-after commodities for buyers around the globe.
Scholars of horse racing have long held journalists to account for depicting elections as horse races rather than discussing policy issues at stake. By emphasizing who’s leading, news outlets risk misleading voters and keeping them from learning more about these matters and making informed choices come election day.
Research indicates that media coverage that emphasizes winners and losers may have adverse repercussions for democracy. Furthermore, news outlets that report horse race results could give third-party political candidates who cannot compete against incumbent Democrats and Republicans for attention an advantage.
Though horse race journalism may receive criticism, some scholars acknowledge its less dangerous form and can have positive effects on democracy when there is little debate over policy issues. Unfortunately, most people lack an understanding of what policies entail making debate harder while providing reporters more freedom to report what matters to them.
Additionally, horse race reporting is most prevalent in countries that guarantee free speech and the right to publish polling data. Finally, scholars are studying an emerging form of horse race reporting known as probabilistic forecasting; media experts use polling data to calculate the probability that one candidate will win and use that analysis more precisely than simply listing its percentage support; it has gained popularity with some newsrooms as it gives third-party and independent candidates greater chances of victory if they lead.