When journalists cover elections by focusing on who’s winning and who’s losing instead of policy issues — what is known as horse race coverage — voters, candidates and the news industry itself suffer, a growing body of research suggests. In addition to skewing coverage, this style of reporting stifles discussion about the underlying problems facing our country.
The symbiotic relationship between horses and humans is well-known, but less well understood are the many ways in which the racing industry exploits horses. The equine athletes are subjected to cocktails of legal and illegal drugs intended to mask injuries and artificially enhance performance. They are pushed to their limits, and often the results are catastrophic. According to the website Horseracing Wrongs, more than 10,000 horses have been killed at U.S. tracks and training facilities since 2014.
To a casual observer, horse races can seem like a chaotic affair, with dozens of horses jostling for position and jockeys swinging their whips wildly. But there is a method to the madness. By following a few simple rules, you can better understand the intricacies of this ancient sport.
Before the race, a jockey or driver scouts the other riders, noting their riding styles and track records. A good scout can spot the best potential leaders and identify areas where improvement is needed. He will also be able to determine whether a rider is “on the bit,” indicating that he’s eager to run.
A good scout can also predict the outcome of a race by watching the action in the home stretch, where the race is typically decided. A horse that shows speed here, particularly in the last half mile, is considered a good bet to win. A horse that falters at this point, particularly in the final quarter mile, is likely to lose.
An aficionado can also gain valuable insights from watching the warmups, when horses are taken out on the course to practice. These sessions are an opportunity to see the horses’ movements, how they interact with their trainers and what kind of form they are in. A horse that appears to be “taking off” or moving too fast early in a workout, or one that has trouble with the starting gate, will not make a strong showing in the race.
Those who favor the horse race approach argue that, when done correctly, it creates a culture of leadership development in which people embrace competition for the top job and know they can move up the corporate ladder by serving in a succession of functional assignments and challenging stretch opportunities. They also believe that a horse race allows the board to choose the most qualified candidate, rather than the most popular or charismatic. However, some boards and current CEOs worry that a protracted horse race will slow the company’s momentum. They strive mightily to limit the length of the contest.