Global Sports: Horse Racing Today Is Together Virtual And On Turf

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Horse Racing Today Is Together Virtual And On Turf

By Ian Davis


The deliberate ambiguity in the phrase, 'horse racing today' refers to the state of an old industry in current conditions, and to the fact that a site by that name offers betting on meetings that take place every day. Both interpretations are salient, one because the industry is at a critical point in its history and the other because it captures something of the contemporary relevance of the industry.

The horse racing industry is very old. Potentates and despots seem to enjoy keeping fine animals, perhaps because it gives them a sense of power to possess powerful creatures. Having stables full of fine animals must suggest reasons for putting them to use even if no extra income is required. So speed contests go very far back in history.

There is some debate about whether this activity has the right to be called a sport. It is true that shooting animals is called a sport but that usually does involve an element of activity and contest between a dumb animal and a human being armed with a high powered rifle. Apart from the jockeys most people at meetings walk about highly dressed and watch other creatures exerting themselves.

The aristocrats of the human world tend to be feeble, stupid, inbred or inept individuals who owe their privileged positions to accidents of birth. That is not the case with equine aristocrats. Animals are bred on the basis of physical performance. Even if a thoroughbred does not conform fully to breed specifics if it can run it earns its place in a breeding program. Its traits become part of a genetic pool which may be truly aristocratic.

Though there may be doubt about whether horse racing is a sport there can be none about whether it is an industry. In fact it is an interesting demonstration of how culture and diversity are the mainstay of national economies. Mathematics, science and technology do not feature highly yet a great deal of economic activity surrounds every meeting. Farmers provide fodder, there are transporters and veterinarians and fashion followers all circulating money and creating jobs around the efforts of the horses.

In the early stages of the Industrial Age economic growth and development was seen in the erection of factories that manufactured goods from raw materials. The generation of electricity, the building or roads, dams and airports was see as necessary to support growth. Professions such as law and accountancy also depended on population and economic growth.

As the twenty-first century began a sea change in economic thinking altered perceptions. It was recognized that growth could not continue forever and that new industries such as online gaming would inevitably be part of a future economic scenario.

Horse racing today continues its long history but in the role of online gaming. The performances of animals under various conditions are studied closely and bets placed accordingly. This mental activity imparts an intellectual dimension to the excitement and interest of watching animals race. For thousands of people it is an absorbing hobby. When they enjoy an occasional win they might feel as though they have accomplished an academic achievement.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment