Horse races are an entertaining form of competition between horses, with popular betting taking place on various outcomes. Horse racing dates back thousands of years to ancient civilizations such as Greece, Rome, Babylon, Syria Egypt and Arabia as well as myth and legend such as Odin’s contest with Hrungnir.

A claiming race is a wagering event designed to give horses that haven’t yet achieved success in higher class races an equal opportunity to compete against each other, with their respective owners and trainers setting a claiming price at their discretion. These races provide competition among rival horses while creating balance within wagering as the racing industry can’t profit from situations in which one horse dominates over others.

Plans can quickly shift for horses entered in claiming races, forcing even experienced horse handlers to adapt when races don’t fill or extra dates are added – leaving owners of those horses frustrated and in uncertainty over travel arrangements, accommodations and more.

An open horse race to select the new CEO can be beneficial if the organization allows for it. Such competition can help build strong leadership in executive ranks while offering valuable growth opportunities to its top performers. Furthermore, it may provide motivation to employees within the firm who see a path to future promotion.

However, if your organization is unsuited to such competitions it could prove disruptive and have a devastating effect on performance. It requires time and energy from both the board and executive team in identifying an ideal leader to represent them in this contest; any “horse race” might alienate potential contenders and reduce employee morale significantly.

Horse racing may appear romanticized but behind its glamorous facade lies a world of injuries, drug use and breakdowns that is inhumane for both horses and humans alike. It is time for this industry to show it cares for the welfare of its horses by taking real steps to safeguard them. Starting at a macro business and industry level as well as within individuals who own, train and race horses is necessary in order to effectuate an overhaul which puts priority on horses at each decision making point. From breeding shed to aftercare and from number of races allowed per horse to adopting more natural and equine friendly lifestyles for racehorses – this initiative requires all stakeholders in racing’s community – from fans, gamblers and industry personnel – to support it fully. Eight Belles, Medina Spirit, Keepthename Creative Plan as well as thousands of others that end up dead after careers spent racing should welcome this initiative with open arms. It is time for a fresh start.