Running Head: SHOULD THE SPORT OF HORSE RACING CONTINUE 1
Should the sport of horse racing continue?
CSM 407 - Ethics/Legal Issues in Sports
ASU-Tempe Campus
October 11, 2019
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Introduction
Today, horse racing is a worldwide phenomenon that reflects the culture, economy, and
ethical debates of the past centuries. The changes through time from ancient Greek chariot
competitions to England's formalized racecourses and America's Triple Crown series show the
deep historical roots and public interest (Riess, 2016; Huggins, 2014). Besides the fact that it is a
sport, it has become an important economic driver that brings in billions of dollars in revenue
and keeps rural areas going all over the world (Bergmann, 2015). However, with the rise of the
sport, criticism has also come into play, especially with regards to the welfare of the animals and
the morality of using them for profit and entertainment (Denham, 2014). Current research
reflects on how the changes in human–animal relationships and the impact of welfare ethics have
compelled the industry to make reforms and justify its operations (Graham & McManus, 2016).
The use of ethical ideas like utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics as instruments for moral
judgment in the case of horse racing is evident now (De Waegeneer, Van De Sompele, &
Willem, 2016). Therefore, the future of the sport is hanging in the balance, with such policy
proposals as the introduction of stricter anti-doping laws or the provision of good retirement
programs for ex-racehorses. This wider picture serves as an introduction to the gradual, more
thorough consideration of the question as to whether horse racing should persist or be banned.
The sport of horseracing is one of the most adrenaline filled sports across the globe. It is a
joy ride; nevertheless, it is short-lived but packed with action. However, various perspectives
have been raised by diverse proponents some in support of it while others against it on the basis
of animal rights. According to Roult, Lavigne and Auger, (2017) the issue of horseracing has
been a controversial topic over the years with the animal rights activists citing it as one of the
most sensitive issues in the world. It is a sport that involves the selected horse racers racing on a
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horserace track and where winners take home huge prizes. Due to this, it has become one of the
famous sports in the world with various perspectives, positions and arguments for and against its
ban. Those who support it argue that it is a major source of income and tax for the nation, a
source employment and entertainment while those against it argue that it should be banned
because it has encouraged doping, it is against animal rights and that it is cruel to the animals.
Therefore, this paper provides an in-depth discussion on the various present positions on whether
the sport of horseracing should continue or not, as well as a variety of scholarly justifications for
each of the positions.
Expanded Historical Background
Horse racing is a sport that is traced back to the days of ancient civilizations. The most
vivid examples of life-lit competitions can be found in the Olympic Games of Ancient Greece,
where chariot and mounted races were among the most popular spectacles. Besides
entertainment, these contests were the ultimate demonstration of human mastery over horses, and
a symbol of social status as well as military preparedness (Riess, 2016). After several centuries,
horse racing has not only spread across the Roman Empire but also into medieval Europe. In the
latter, the aristocrats used the sport to lavishly display their wealth and the superiority of their
horses' breeding. The 17th and 18th centuries might be referred to as the period when the sport
gained more ground, was professionally organized, and formally consolidated with the birth of
racecourses such as Newmarket, which is still the most famous English racing center (Huggins,
2014). Further the practice of breeding thoroughbred horses turned the sport into a more
professional example of the combination of sport and industry. The era really set the stage for
horse racing to be a pleasurable individual activity as well as a cultivated industry. Graham and
McManus (2016) have mentioned that the inception of racing history also signals the changings
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in the perception of the relationships between humans and animals, wherein the horses were
acknowledged as partners in sportsmanship and not as simple carriers of burdens. So, historically
the journey from ancient Greece to officially organized British racing is propagating the dual
aspects of both the persistence of the sport's cultural and social meaning and the change of its
parameters.
Organized racing based on the British model had a great influence on the worldwide
spread of the sport, especially in North America, where the colonists brought not only the
thoroughbred horses but also the racing customs. Eventually, by the 19th century, the US horse
racing was one of the most popular ways of mass entertainment, and it was not unusual to see
people of different social status classes attending the event (Riess, 2016). The building of
racetracks in the heart of different cities had the effect of democratizing the sport and taking it
beyond the scope of aristocratic patronage and into the level of commercialized spectacle.
According to Huggins (2014), the moment this transition occurred was in fact a major socio-
economic shift. Because of that, racing was no longer just a leisure activity for the elite but a
business-driven enterprise. The expansion of cities made it possible to hold the type of event
with a large attendance that urban centers wanted and race days became a significant social event
where gambling, leisure, and civic pride mingled. Bergmann (2015) points out that, during this
era, the attempts for the regulating of the sport based on fairness and integrity had already begun,
thus, governance structures were now established. Commercializing horse racing in America,
besides turning it into a business, was a reflection of the prevailing cultural trend of converting
leisure activities into commodities. The extension was, in fact, the foundation for the triple
crown races that were to become later the most distinguished symbols of sporting excellence.
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Apart from the economic side, the sport's regulation also brought about essential
economic and controlling innovations, such as the implementation of pari-mutuel betting
systems. Pari-mutuel wagering invented in France, 19th century, revolutionized horse racing by
introducing a more open and groundable in terms of mathematics approach to betting (Huggins,
2014). The worldwide spread of its use was the main factor that gambling became legal, while
the general public got attracted by the racetracks. Betting returns, in accordance with Riess
(2016), constituted one of the main engines that kept the sport alive financially, thus covering the
purses and the upkeep of the tracks. This legalization of gambling was integrated with regulatory
reforms intended to solve the issues of cheating, race fixing, and animal welfare (Graham &
McManus, 2016). The establishment of racing commissions and governing bodies regulated the
sport by instituting rules which in turn guaranteed the retention of public confidence. Denham
(2014) also states that, the media, even at its inception, had a powerful influence on the public
perception as it did so by uncovering scandals and advocating reforms when needed.
Consequently, the late 19th and the first half of the 20th centuries became the horse racing era of
industrial and regulated social institution. This period was important in turning the sport into a
sustainable, commercially successful, and accessible to the increasing urban population.
Horse racing's change to a global entertainment business was a great success due to the
sport's ability to adjust to different social and economic realities. In England, flat racing became
a staple of the seasonal leisure culture, with the sponsorship of both the aristocracy and the
commercial sector (Huggins, 2014). The introduction of the Triple Crown, consisting of the
Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes, gave the sport its glory and allowed the
birth of stories and characters, like famous horses and jockeys, all over the country (Riess, 2016).
Graham and McManus (2016) believe that one of the reasons for the long-life horse racing as a
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leisure activity was the successful combination of gambling, socializing, and spectacle in one
event. The industrial revolution and the growth of the railway networks made it possible for
people to visit the most important race meetings, thus, attendance and revenue would be elevated
to new heights. Bergmann (2015) points out that with this commercialization, however, there
were also challenges in sustainability, as the demand for higher performance put more pressure
on the horses and the racing facilities. Nevertheless, the sport of horse racing became very much
a part of the culture, with major race days turning into public holidays and the times of tradition.
In the early 20th century, horse racing had paved the way for a successful shift to the mass
market and was no longer just the delight of the elite.
Over the course of the 20th century the economic scope of horse racing gradually
increased to the point where this sector was highly interrelated with other industries such as
tourism and broadcasting besides trade in thoroughbreds. The broadcasts of races via radio and
television turned racing into a massive event that was not only of national but also of
international and even worldwide importance, thus, the access of horse racing multiplied by
many times (Riess, 2016). The media coverage played a major role in the establishment of the
equine celebrities, for instance, Secretariat and Phar Lap, who were the public heroes, and their
winning history became a legend, and also, as we understand, the media had a big role in this
phenomenon. Denham (2014) states that aside from helping the sport to grow, media was a
watchdog that exposed doping scandals and pointed out animal welfare issues, which created
pressure on regulatory agencies to implement more rigorous rules. According to Graham and
McManus (2016) the whip debates in the UK and Australia are instances of continuous
endeavors to bring the sport in line with the changes in public perceptions about animals.
Bergmann, (2015) considers that the raising of aspects such as ethics and sustainability in reality
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marks a major and significant change in the industry’s history as it now has to balance economic
profitability with social legitimacy. This intermingling of commerce, media, and morality is still
a major factor that determines the future of the horse racing which is under the watch of animal
rights activists and policymakers.
Horse racing in the 21st century is still a complicated global market with a rich history,
which is, however, still the main factor that determines its cultural and economic role. The sport
has been and still is the main attraction because of its long-lasting tradition; however, gradually,
the calls for reforms and modernizations are taking the upper hand (Bergmann, 2015). Riess
(2016) locates the cause of varying attendance and betting patterns being that these were cyclical
phenomena which, in turn, were reflecting overarching economic trends and the level of
competition from other forms of leisure. According to Graham and McManus (2016), the
survival of the sport is subject to the extent it manages to overcome the historical portrayal of
horse racing as a glittering leisure activity while at the same time accepting the current concerns
of animal welfare and fairness. Denham (2014) states that the media, which is the main player in
the issue, very often, after major scandals, is turning to the critics and giving them more power
by making their voices louder than others. These factors show that the development of horse
racing is a process that is not yet finished, and therefore, the industry has been asked to come up
with innovations in safety standards, track technology, and retirement programs for racehorses,
and so on (Huggins, 2014). As a result, the history of horse racing should be seen not just as a
record of the past but also as a way of getting a glimpse of its future which is still unclear.
Ethical Theories and Frameworks for Analysis
One of the most popular ethical theories, utilitarianism, gives a consequentialist narrative
through which ethical values are judged according to what results from a deed. In the light of
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this, it could be said that horse racing is morally right if it brings scientists and phenomers
happiness (Wight, 2015). In their Environmental Impact Statements, the supporters of sport
claim that the economic benefits such as employment generation, tourism revenue, and the
entertainment value are good arguments for the harms caused by injuries to horses and stress
(Winter & Frew, 2018). Using utilitarianism logic, the enjoyment of the audience and the bettors
could also be taken into consideration, thus betting and racing become allowed as a leisure
activity with social value (Markwell, Firth, & Hing, 2017). Opponents to this argument,
however, point out that the suffering of the sentient beings, in this case, the horses, is inevitably
linked with racing and cannot just be compensated with the money and pleasure derived
therefrom. According to Thompson, McGreevy, and McManus (2015), racehorses are exposed to
various kinds of physical risks which include fractures, stress injuries, and in some cases, they
are put to death as a result of catastrophic breakdowns. A thorough utilitarian calculation must
therefore balance if these as well as other harms are justifiable against the total benefits. This
ongoing debate shows that utilitarian analysis does not provide simple support or opposition but
requires a thorough examination of both measurable and qualitative results.
Deontological ethics is another viewpoint that, while acknowledging the significance of
duties, rights, and moral principles as opposed to results, would not necessarily agree with the
Utilitarian approach. Within this frame, the deciding of a right or wrong act is done basing solely
on the concept of intrinsic rightness or wrongness, irrespective of the rest of the consequences
(Wight, 2015). As for horse racing, a deontological question is whether it is acceptable by morals
to use animals for human amusement if that use violates their rights or if they are just regarded as
the ones for being used. Markwell, Firth, and Hing (2017) class the practice of whipping,
overbreeding, and exposing horses to dangerous conditions as one of the indefensibly methods
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that might be overturned reading a rights-based approach. At the same time, not from an
economic outlook but nevertheless, the viewpoint here is that even if many people get joy out of
riding and at that moment, the money is what matters most to the crowd, this would not be a
good enough reason to justify the pain and suffering caused. De Waegeneer, Van De Sompele
and Willem (2016) add that along with ethical codes of conduct stressing respect, fairness, and
welfare, the emphasis on duties rather than outcomes signaled by deontology also characterizes
many sports organizations approaches to morality. The revelation of some of the welfare issues
being at odds with some of the openly declared commitments to welfare; in this respect, Winter
and Frew (2018) suggest that the racing industry may face the problem of different characters
performing different roles within the moral theater. Hence, by using the deontological argument,
we can still come to a conclusion that this act belongs to the category of those that should be
banned or severely restricted only on the grounds of the fact that the nature of the act is the one
that violates animals' rights to be treated as a moral entity of inherent value, and not as an issue
subject to negotiation.
Virtue ethics provides another perspective by exclusively concentrating on the moral
character and virtues of individuals and institutions involved in horse racing, instead of merely
looking at rules or consequences. Implementing this theory, Horse racing might be seen as a
moral good if it led to caring, tolerance, and fairness; however, it might also be a source of moral
evil if it resulted in avarice and brutality (Wight, 2015). Those within the racing industry can
sometimes be seen as the proponents of the positive viewpoint, as they argue that caring for
thoroughbreds is not only a necessity but also a skill, strength, and empathy which are the
qualities of a good steward (Winter & Frew, 2018). The trainers and owners who are in the
forefront of animal welfare could be considered as the ones who possess the virtues of
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responsibility and care. On the contrary, Markwell, Firth, and Hing (2017) argue that the
transformation of horses into commodities for the sole purpose of making money and the
gambling markets will result in the creation of vices in which animal welfare will be sacrificed
for the sake of gaining the advantage in competitions. Thompson et al. (2015) state that virtue
ethics can serve as an instrument for transforming the culture that is prevalent in the industry into
one that is characterized by safety and respect by placing the emphasis on the development of
good habits and the ethical character of the stakeholders. Consequently, virtue ethics does not
just outrightly condemn or endorse horse racing instead it promotes the development of moral
growth and reflective practice to bring the sport in line with virtuous conduct.
By putting the principal ethical theories together one is in a position to weigh the pros
and cons of horse racing as a complicated social practice more diligently. From the viewpoint of
utilitarianism, the analysis of the issue may raise the question of conflict between economic and
welfare outcomes, thus the involvement of the stakeholders becomes essential in terms of how
they will extend the good and diminish the bad (Wight, 2015). The Aspect of deontological
ethics demands that any "unpleasant practices, for example, hard whipping, the unsafe condition
of the track," should be stopped even though the practice might be making a lot of money or
acquiring high ratings of noise (De Waegeneer et al., 2016). Employing virtue ethics, the
sporting industry can have the idea which is, to the people who work in the sport, the integrity,
responsibility, and the care of animals as a means of transforming the moral culture of the sport
(Winter & Frew, 2018). Markwell et al. (2017) diligently conclude that the blending of these
concepts is the most comprehensive route, as it reconciles the characters of the consequences,
duties and character concurrently. The pluralistic treatment is a good example of the on-going
controversy over horse racing a complex issue, which is not just easy to solve by a single ethical
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lens. Thompson et al. (2015) claim that the research programs need to be based not only on the
scientific part but on the ethical side as well, thus safety and ethics are converging zones. The
adoption of this fusion lends itself to morally strong and socially accepted policy
recommendations.
The sports ethics discourse also points out the importance of the institutional frameworks
in influencing ethical behavior, to the extent that moral reasoning should be backed up by such
formal structures. De Waegeneer et al. (2016) maintain that the establishment of appropriately
constructed ethical codes could facilitate the presence of accountability and, on top of that,
reduce the incidence of social or organizational practices that are detrimental to sports, i.e., in
particular, to top-level professional sports. Understood in a horse racing context, the setting and
implementation of firmer welfare standards could not only lead to a realignment of horse
industry practices with the prevailing utilitarian and deontological ethical requirements, but it
could also have a beneficial impact in reducing the number of such negative practices. Winter
and Frew (2018) show how regulatory bodies are frequently confronted with the challenge of
having to find a middle ground between commercial pressures and welfare issues, which in turn
lead to the mixed messages that erode the public's trust. Markwell et al. (2017) disclose the
dilemma of morality at the core of the gambling business that is probably the main cause of the
increasing speed of horses and the frequent staging of races, both of which ultimately lead to the
animals' hurting. Thompson et al. (2015) propose the use of systemic interventions such as
redesigning the track to make it safer and instituting mandatory rest periods as ways that can help
to lower the risks. Provided that there exist open ethical codes together with efficient
enforcement mechanisms, the implementation of such measures could indeed pave the way for
the horse racing industry to become an activity that not only complies with the currently
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prevailing societal moral expectations but also continues to be of economic and cultural
importance.
Looking at horse racing through the various ethical perspectives highlights the fact that
the sport may be at the point of either going through reforms or demise. For example, under a
utilitarian perspective, the horse racing industry, if it manages to reduce its harms to a great
extent and distribute its benefits widely, might remain socially acceptable (Wight, 2015). But, on
the other hand, through the perspective of Kantian ethics, just improvements in the profitability
of the industry would not be enough; instead, there should be definitive proof that reforms fully
meet down-to-earth moral obligations, such as the complete halt of the sufferings of the animals
(Markwell et al., 2017). Consequently, virtue ethics provides a bright future scenario, envisaging
a better racing ethos where concern and helpfulness become among the characteristics of the
participants (Winter & Frew, 2018). According to Thompson et al. (2015), safety improvement
thus reduces criticism of the sport, as the public sees less risk to horses. To be specific, De
Waegeneer et al. (2016) point to the fact that a continuing effort in ethical education and the
presence of monitors are necessary to assure that there is no turning back to the old abusive
ways. As a result, the adoption of these moral codes not only deepens the theoretical exploration
but also acts as a guide for attainable reform measures. Offering a mix of the potential results-
driven, duty-bound, and morals-guided arguments, the stakeholders may be able to navigate into
the era of a horse racing that is in line with the set economic, moral, and social goals of the 21st
century.
Perspectives in favour of the sport horseracing
The various proponents of horseracing argue that the horseracing sport should continue citing
various economic, social and political reasons. The sport comes with a lot of prestige and its
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supporters argue that it has been misunderstood in America and other parts of the world. They
believe that the sport is and has been a rare niche and an exclusive sport and if one is open-
minded, attending one of the horseracing events will comprehend why the richest and famous
personalities and the enlightened in the society love it. Most of the proponents of this sport cite
that horseracing as a sport has raised a lot of revenue to the United States and the world at large
with an average of $39 billion of which a stunning $1.9 billion being paid in as tax (Huggins,
2010). It is for this reason that they believe that the sport should not be banned in the country and
any other part of the world. This statistic shows a greater deal of contribution to the economy
making the sport one of the world’s economic hub. This position, therefore, sees horseracing as
an opportunity for countries to improve its economy.
Over the years, horse racing has created job opportunities and most of its enthusiasts
normally argue that they bred one of the winners of the world’s biggest sport. It is because it has
created employment to a large number of Americans as well as in other parts of the world such
as Europe. The proponents of this sport argue that horseracing has created jobs for many people
around the world since the horseracing sports industry has employed a lot of personnel averaging
4.7% of the world’s population which could create high rates of unemployment (Albrecht,
Graham & McManus, 2012). They believe that banning horseracing will lead to hopelessness
among the 4.7% of the world’s population which a great number is considering the current
world’s population. These job opportunities range from working in the horse racing betting
companies where the employees provide services to the betters to those who work in the
horseracing companies. It also provides jobs for those companies that provide horseracing track
services. It is therefore clear that it hangers the world’s economy.
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The proponents of this sport also argue that the horseracing industry is playing a key role in
the world’s economy not only by creating jobs and revenue but other crucial roles. Roult,
Lavigne and Auger, (2017) argues that the sport supports other sectors of the economy as it is a
diverse industry supporting other activities in the country including rural activities like training,
horse riding, and racetrack operations in urban areas, horse shows, and off-track betting
companies among others. For instance, robust America’s revved-up economy its rousting
housing services and markets as well as the low unemployment are significantly supported by
horseracing. It is part of the whole reason why it should never be banned in the country.
In the United States and other parts of the world where the horseracing business booms,
banning the sport could lead to various economic problems. Its proponents state that removing
the sports horseracing could lead to the downfall of businesses as it will lower the income of
hospitals, shopping malls as well as universities. According to to…..the sport supports those
companies that run it and closing it down could lead to the end of such businesses. Betting
companies for instance are some of the business that depends on the sport for its revenue.
Shopping malls that provide goods and equipment for the sport will also suffer losses if the sport
is banned. Universities that hold horse racing sports to raise revenue will also be impacted
negatively.
The tourism industry attracts a lot of people across the globe. It is stated by the sport’s
proponents that the horseracing sport supports the tourism industry and removing it will affect
the industry as the income from tourism will have been eliminated (Martin, et al., 2017). Tourists
from various parts of the world visit the world’s famous horse racing sports events and during
such events a lot of revenue are collected that benefits the country’s economy. One such event is
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Kentucky’s Derby, Breeder’s cup that takes place each year and which is believed to attract over
50,000 tourists from across the world.
In summary, most of the proponent who argues for the sustenance of horseracing looks at it
in regard to the economic and social aspects of the sport. Its contribution to the country’s
economy is a whopping $580 million per year. It is clear that it has a lot of impact on the world’s
tourism sector and in supporting the other sectors of the economy.
The proponents of horse racing also emphasize its cultural significance and its role in
keeping alive the traditions that have been part of the human society for a long time. Among
these are the Kentucky Derby, the Melbourne Cup, and the Royal Ascot which, apart from being
races, are also cultural festivals that unite communities and celebrate national identity
(Hedenborg, 2018). Such events have fashion shows, music, and societies in addition to sporting
activities thus race days become the famous festivals that contribute to the shared heritage. The
human–animal relationship that comes through racing is at the very core of the cultural fabric of
many nations, thus, it is the collective memory and tradition that are being strengthened, as stated
by Graham and McManus (2016). Thompson and Nesci (2016) point out that sports such as
horse racing are instrumental in maintaining the interspecies relationships which have been there
since the time of domestication and which give humans the opportunity to have structured and
ritualized interactions with animals. This view depicts racing as a practice that not only provides
amusement but also adds to the culture of the people. From this standpoint, a ban on horse racing
would be a step towards losing a historically significant tradition and a way of letting future
generations get distanced from an important sector of the equestrian culture hence weakening a
practice that has been the social fabric for interaction for centuries.
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Supporters also highlight the educational and training aspects that the horse racing
industry has facilitated. Vocational programs, equine science degrees, and apprenticeships for
jockeys and trainers are creating new opportunities for the youth to build their careers in the
equine sector (Thompson, McGreevy, & McManus, 2015). Hedenborg (2018) specifies that the
industry is significant for the professional development of women in particular as women’s
equestrian sports have been more inclusive than other athletic areas in the past. Not only do these
training programs produce skilled labor, but they also raise the standard of horse welfare, safety
protocols, and veterinary science through research, thus improving equestrian knowledge (Jones,
Goodfellow, Yeates, & McGreevy, 2015). Graham and McManus (2016) argue that this constant
research and professionalization are the main factors that bring about higher welfare standards
and encourage better conditions for both horses and riders. Proponents of the sport instead of
eliminating it argue that it should be used as a means of furthering equine science, safety
technologies, and ethical care standards. Consequently, the educational aspect of horse racing is
understood as a contribution to the future of equestrianism, being a source of intellectual and
technical inputs that are not limited to the racetrack only.
Advocates also cited as another point the argument about the positive contributions of
horse racing to the rural economy and land use. Farms for breeding racehorses and training
facilities not only help the agricultural industry but also create the demand for the production of
feed and maintain the employment in the areas where other economic activities are less possible
(Thompson & Nesci, 2016). Thompson et al. (2015) noted that horse breeding businesses are
often responsible for the conservation of the landscape and the support to biodiversity, as the
land where animals graze becomes the natural residence for different species. Moreover, Graham
and McManus (2016) point out that these businesses in rural areas help create the value chains
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that are linked thus they support the trades people like farriers, veterinarians, transporters, and
other small businesses, all of which are interconnected and dependent. Without horse racing, the
vast majority of these rural enterprises will no longer be economically viable. Consequently,
large areas of land used for such purposes will be converted to less environmentally friendly
ones, let alone job losses. Jones et al. (2015) claim that the organizing of events in this sport
could enormously regenerate the rural areas provided that care and breeding are taken. The
abolition of horse racing would, therefore, be opposed by the supporters on the grounds that it
would have uncontrollable negative consequences not only in the industry but also to the people
of the rural areas as well as the land stewardship practises which help the environment.
One of the main points that supporters of horse racing bring up when refuting the
argument of an outright ban is the potential for ongoing reforms in the welfare areas. As a matter
of fact, the developments in veterinary medicine, track technology, and riding equipment have
already led to lower injury rates and better conditions for the horses, and this trend is seen as a
signal that the sport can become safer (Jones et al., 2015). Risk management activities such as
improved track surfaces and the monitoring of training intensity have been identified as major
contributors to the reduction of the number of serious cases in particular by the authors
Thompson and Nesci (2016). The issue of the whip being continuously debated has in fact gone
regulators a step further on the road to more humane practices, like imposition of limitations on
the use of the whip as well as raising punishments for going beyond the limits, claims Graham
and McManus (2016). A great focus for research agendas, according to Thompson et al. (2015),
is the development of welfare policies in which the evidence base for ethical concerns is
addressed before they emerge. In this case, through reform rather than abolition, the public can
still enjoy the cultural and economic benefits of horse racing while, on the other hand,
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progressively bringing it closer to modern welfare expectations. The fact that the industry is
ready for change is a clear indication that horse racing can transform the ethical challenges into a
successful living tradition of entertainment and at the same time responsible for animal well-
being.
Perspectives that support that the sports horseracing should be banned
The perspective against horseracing as a sport argue that it should be banned. The animal
rights advocates for instance have refuted the horseracing citing that the use of drugs, otherwise
called doping is against the animal rights as drugs such as anabolic steroids and heroine are being
used by various horse owners in the industry (Kruse, 2016). According to Kruse (2016), the
horse has been pushed beyond the natural abilities they have to win the races through the use of
drugs that could enhance their abilities to race and win. It is a hazardous endeavour against
animal rights. Other studies indicate that horseracing and the use of doping in general have led to
increased horse deaths across the globe. In the Cheltenham Festival last year for instance, four
horses lost their lives due to doping. It is an affair the most of the animal rights advocates term as
gambling with the previous lives of the animals and should completely be banned.
Other proponents also argue that horses are not properly taken care of by their owners
during such races. Denham (2018) states that medical researchers have also found that toe grabs
used in helping in the reduction of sliding on the tracks cause stress on the limbs of the horses as
it causes a rise in the limbs in relation to the heel causing disastrous heel injuries. It is also
argued that the speed and the greed of the horse racers have led to pushing the horses beyond
their normal limits as they are forced to run on breakneck speed on the hazardous racing tracks
leading to injuries on their limbs due to the toe grabs. As a result, horses sustain horrific injuries
in the process and worst of all heart-attacks. It is further indicated that some of the horse bleed to
SHOULD THE SPORT OF HORSE RACING CONTINUE 19
death due to such injuries while other develop health problems in the process. It is therefore,
argued that horseracing should be banned based on such injuries and deaths.
Overbreeding has become a major problem in regard to horse rearing for the purposes of
the racing sport. According to McGreevy, et al., (2014) and Mobilia (2012) some ethicists
support the banning of the horse racing because they believe that it has led to overbreeding of
horses weakening the available breeds and even though mass slaughtering has always been an
option, it does not reduce cut the overbreeding. These aspects have led to ethical issues regarding
animal rights. In America and Britain for instance, over 70,000 racehorses are trained every year
and over 20,000 of them retired each year. This large number of horses has led to an increased
number of horses that remain ill suffering from injuries and diseases. Some of them are old
which intensifies their suffering. It has strained resources since taking care of such horses is
expensive (McCrory, 2006). They are also left unattended since most of them are no longer
valuable as they cannot participate in making money through the races. It is a problem than most
animal rights advocates deem avoidable through banning the race to avoid the overbreeding
problem.
Animal battering is a major problem across the world. Battering animals, in the same way
as battering human beings is a big offence to the animals since they have rights too. Animal
rights advocates and those proponents of horserace ban argue that the event is always a cruel
some and worse than many people thin because horses are paraded in the crowded and noisy
environment and are constantly whipped during the races (Saunders & Turner, 2009). First, the
state of most racing tracks is not good for the horses and some cause injuries during the races. It
is a cruel thing to racehorses in an environment that is not conducive. Some of them are muddy
which makes the horse stuck and struggle during the races. Secondly, horses are beaten during
SHOULD THE SPORT OF HORSE RACING CONTINUE 20
the races which many activists believe is not right. It is against the rights of such animals and
hence should be stopped.
In summary, these perspectives look at the issue of horseracing in regard to the effects it
has on the animal and the violation of the animal rights. The other major issue that these
perspective look at is the issue of morality that comes with the sport. Since it leads to the
suffering of the animals, most animal rights advocates deem the race as immoral since the
animals suffer, some die in the process. Three slaughtering of the ex-racehorses has also been
questioned over time.
Some critics are claiming that the horse racing industry is supporting a gambling culture
which is a social issue that might lead to serious consequences. McManus and Graham (2014)
observe that racing is concertedly linked with wagering activities, which do not only keep the
sport going financially but also provide the bettors with the kind of behavior. It has been reported
that problem gambling is linked with issues of family breakdown, financial difficulties, and
addiction to raise questions if society should allow a sport that depends on such revenue streams
(Winter & Frew, 2018). The general acceptance of gambling around important race days can,
therefore, make vulnerable groups, for example, kids closer to the habit of addiction quicker.
Campbell (2013) feels that the support of horse racing which involves the care of the animals
plus public health and community welfare is a moral issue. Opponents, thus, consider the sport
not merely as amusement but as a device that keeps on influencing the destructive social habits.
This standpoint contends that the prohibition of horse raving would significantly help to lessen
gambling harms that are spread widely, lower the rate of gambling normalization in society and
turn public attention towards other types of recreation that do not have such adverse
SHOULD THE SPORT OF HORSE RACING CONTINUE 21
consequences. The conjunction of gambling, economic dependency, and ethical concerns is a
very strong argument for totally getting rid of horse racing.
The mental/physical arguments are, among other, the main issues raised by opponents
who claim that despite the absence of visible injuries, horses are put under some kind of stress.
According to Winter and Frew (2018), the extreme conditioning and the repeated transportation
between the tracks can lead to a horse suffering from chronic stress, which in turn is going to
impact its efficiency and welfare. Also, Campbell (2013) points out that vets get caught in an
ethical dilemma when asked to hastily fix an injury or give the animal a pain-relieving drug so
that the horse can go on racing. This is a mutual betrayal with the animal's sustained health being
traded off for the owner's short-term monetary profits. At the same time, McManus and Graham
(2014) remark that the race magnificence is only one side of the coin as the public is all too
rarely being shown the 'human' face of the extensively used animals in the background of
training and racing. Opponents say that the continuous wear and tear spoken of is nothing else
but exploitation of horses, even if there are no tragic injuries. According to Kruse (2016), the fact
that there is such a strong focus on performing according to the competitive schedules is an
indication of a profit being prioritized over the welfare of animals, which is in line with the calls
for the abolishment of the sport. According to McManus and Graham (2014), such revelations
put the practice of horse racing in the category of habitual stressors that are against the inherent
natural limitations of the animals leading to the conclusion that no ethical reforms are capable of
sufficing without a radical solution.
Animal rights activists believe that the event of horse racing keeps alive the outdated
human-animal systems established centuries ago, which are by now incompatible with the
current ethical thinking. As McManus and Graham (2014) point out, the character of the racing
SHOULD THE SPORT OF HORSE RACING CONTINUE 22
world is often to present the human control over the horse as winning the mastery of skills rather
than forcing it. This anthropocentric perspective is at odds with modern animal ethics that
consider life to be an autonomous subject of intrinsic value (Campbell, 2013). Winter and Frew
(2018) mention that there are many traditions in the industry that have been there for a long time,
for example, the practice of parading the horses right before the start of the race in front of the
noise, which are the priorities of human entertainment as opposed to equine comfort showing
that there is an imbalance of power. Kruse (2016) is of the opinion that the support of horse
racing going on as it is, though, will be the reason behind the social norms that turn animal
subjugation for profit into something normal thus undermining the possibilities of having inter-
species relationships that are more equitable. On the other hand, abolishing horse racing
opponents say that horse racing extinction would mark the stage of the moral progression of
society, where it opts to forego watching spectacles that torture animals for its amusement.
Hence, putting a stop to the sport would not just be the end of one type of leisure but mark a
global change in the direction of ethical coexistence with non-human species, engaging public
behavior at par with modern moral values.
Future of Horse Racing and Policy Recommendations
Horse racing will be one of the sports where the future is uncertain and will be
determined to a great extent by the establishment of comprehensive and strong regulations that
will respect the rights and concerns of the animals involved and will also give confidence to the
sport. Anti-doping regulations stricter than before, are the core of the whole plan, as the use of
performance-enhancing drugs is at the center of many of the most heated debates about the
industry of horse racing (Jez, Coudurier, Cressent, & Méa, 2013). Roult, Lavigne and Auger
(2017) logical reasoning is that the creation of transparent systems for testing coupled with
SHOULD THE SPORT OF HORSE RACING CONTINUE 23
harsher penalties for those who break the rules will spruce up the trust that the public has in the
sport. Besides, these systems of injury tracking can give an even better picture of the current
situation by helping officials to supervise the frequency as well as the kinds of injuries caused by
racing, and thus using this data for changes to track design and training methods (Martin,
Wilson, Morton, Close, & Murphy, 2017). Moreover, intervals for rest that would be made
compulsory between races could be helpful in lessening the dangers that overtraining and
breakdowns, of a catastrophic kind may pose to equine health. Cullen and colleagues (2015)
point out that the welfare of the jockey should not be left out as weight-cutting practices
combined with the physical strain are the main sources of health problems that can impact the
performance and safety of the jockey. Altogether these steps mark a move of policy reform in a
comprehensive manner, they suggest an idea safer, more ethical and more socially acceptable of
horse racing that is in line with the evolving and adapting publics’ expectations.
In the future, a lot of the experts are of the view that horse racing could actually be very
different from what it is now (not necessarily worse), and it will be a transformed industry that is
still vibrant if it seizes opportunities for innovation. Jez et al. (2013) proclaim that some of the
technological innovations in veterinary care, track surfaces, and biomonitoring will bring about a
positive change in horse welfare and therefore their racing careers will be longer. Besides,
Martin et al. (2017) also emphasize that the coach will become safer as the support for nutrition,
training, and riding will be more effective. Roult et al. (2017) state that study cases in different
regions, e.g. Canada’s strategies to deal with the decline of racing attendance, unearth the fact
that policy influence played a significant role in the revival of the markets. On the other hand, a
non-willingness to take animal welfare concerns seriously could mean that there will be less
public support, fewer betting revenues, and eventually, the industry will get smaller. Cullen et al.
SHOULD THE SPORT OF HORSE RACING CONTINUE 24
(2015) indicate that the media coverage of accidents or doping scandals may quickly distrust,
and the demand for reform or total ban would increase thus rapidly. This implies that the
following years will be a time where we will see horse racing either transition into a more
controlled, welfare-oriented industry or that it will lose its place as the public opinion is turning
against it.
The survival of horse racing in the long run will largely rest on the manner in which the
stakeholders combine tradition with innovation. Jez et al. (2013) advise multi-stakeholder
collaborations involving breeders, veterinarians, regulators, and animal welfare groups to come
up with consensus-driven reforms that guarantee transparency and accountability. Roult et al.
(2017) point out that diversification of the industry - by the introduction of tourism experiences,
community events, and digital betting platforms - could bring in new demographics and stabilize
the economic sustainability of the industry. Retirement funding programs for ex-racehorses to
ensure humane post-racing care, which is very important for regaining and maintaining public
trust, should definitely be included in policy recommendations (Martin et al., 2017).
Furthermore, Cullen et al. (2015) propose the use of wearable technology as a means to
constantly monitor the health of the jockey and horse and give the necessary medical assistance
before an injury becomes serious. Horse racing would not only face fewer ethical challenges but
would also be seen as a governing model for sports that have adopted technological reforms if
these changes were made. Consequently, the sport could be successful and vibrant as a regulated
and responsible form of entertainment or, conversely, it could be become a thing of the past if
such changes were neglected. The next several years will accordingly be very significant in
determining the fate of horse racing, whether it will be transformed or it will be progressively
closed down.
SHOULD THE SPORT OF HORSE RACING CONTINUE 25
Conclusion
The horseracing sport has been a controversial issue and from the finding of this paper,
the various arguments for and against its ban proves its controversy. This paper has provided
and discusses the various present positions on whether the sport of horseracing should continue
or not. A variety of perspectives have been discussed such as those pro to the sport and those
against it with a variety of scholarly justifications for each of the positions. One of the major
arguments proposing that horseracing should continue was that horseracing has created jobs for
many people around the world since the industry has employed a lot of personnel averaging
4.7% of the world’s population which could create high rates of unemployment. The strongest
argument supporting the banning of horseracing argued that the battering of horses and the mass
slaughtering of ex-racehorses, the use of drugs, otherwise called doping is against the animal
rights as drugs such as anabolic steroids and heroine are being used by various horse owners in
the industry to enhance their abilities. In the end, the best-supported position is the position
against banning horseracing due to the impact it can cause on the economy and the world’s
population. The proponents supporting the banning of the horseracing sport seem to have a
greater argument considering their arguments. Just like human beings, animals also have rights
which have to be taken care of by human beings and according to these proponents, those rights
have been violated by the same people who are mandated to safeguard them.
SHOULD THE SPORT OF HORSE RACING CONTINUE 26
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