Horse racing is a global sport steeped in time-honored traditions and spectacle. The sport has also been impacted by technological advances, particularly those related to race safety and animal welfare. The emergence of thermal imaging cameras, MRI scanners, endoscopes and 3D printing have helped to ensure the health and safety of horses while on and off the track. But even with these advancements, horse races remain dangerous and often cause the death of horses.

Whether it is the Kentucky Derby, Royal Ascot or Melbourne Cup, the world’s elite horse races are a sight to behold. From the flamboyant attire of the jockeys to the stately elegance of the horses, these events are an amalgamation of equestrian culture and tradition. However, behind the scenes of the grand events lies a dark and troubling reality. Many horse owners, trainers and handlers use a variety of drugs on their horses to increase their performance. Some are legal, but others are not. These chemicals mask pain, mask injuries and boost performance. Horses that are pushed beyond their limits frequently suffer from exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH), or bleeding in the lungs, which can be exacerbated by hot or cold weather, high altitudes and certain medications such as Lasix.

These practices are so common that they have become normalized in the industry and are considered to be a necessary part of the racing game. Despite the fact that random drug testing is in place, many horse racers still abuse their animals to get an edge over the competition. In order to win, a horse must be able to cover more ground than its competitors in the same race. In order to do this, it is imperative that the horse be able to run fast, which requires a lot of stamina.

In order to keep their edge, some racehorses are treated with a cocktail of legal and illegal drugs. These include steroids that boost performance, narcotics that mask pain and other sedatives that decrease the heart rate and blood pressure of the animal. When a horse has been abused to this extent, it is likely to be withdrawn from the race and sent to auction or to the slaughter pipeline.

The new Everest race in Sydney is one of the most lucrative horse races in the world, offering $10 million in prize money. However, the industry is plagued with serious problems that need to be addressed in order to protect the safety and well-being of horses. This collection of research looks at the consequences of a common method of journalistic reporting, in which journalists focus on horse race coverage rather than on policy issues.