A Roundup of New Research on Horse Race Journalism

Horse races can be thrilling to watch, with high stakes for horses and their riders. Even if you can’t be at the track yourself, we have you covered with our updated collection of research on “horse race journalism.”

This type of election coverage, in which journalists focus solely on two candidates vying for votes rather than discussing policy issues, harms voters and third-party political contenders alike. Furthermore, it gives both major party nominees an unfair edge and distracts journalists from reporting what really happens behind the scenes of elections.

Studies conducted recently suggest that when newsrooms prioritize horse race coverage, it can have negative repercussions for democracy and industry alike. This collection of studies examines its effect in American politics as well as whether probabilistic forecasting is used by newsrooms and how TV news shows cover horse racing.

At the walking ring before each race, bettors surveyed the glittering horses with eager anticipation; their coats rippling in the soft pinkish light as their muscles tightened with excitement. Bettors searched for signs that indicated whether or not a particular animal was ready to go racing; bright, clean coats signalled such readiness.

Dark horse refers to any favored runner with little odds against them and who eventually prevails, typically against all odds. Benjamin Disraeli first popularized this term in 1831 with his novel The Young Duke; since then, it has come to symbolize an individual who triumphs despite all obstacles.

As horses race around an oval track, their lower legs experience an intense workout which strains ligaments, tendons and joints. To alleviate their suffering from such discomfort, many thoroughbreds are given Lasix injections, indicated on race forms with an L symbol to protect them from lung bleeding caused by intense running or extreme hot or cold temperatures. This treatment also protects them from an L being noted on their race form as an L is noted as necessary on an L sign race form.

Prior to modern medications, horse-racing officials relied on rules-based solutions alone to maintain a clean racing experience. Unfortunately, however, powerful painkillers and anti-inflammatories designed for humans often found their way into race preparation without proper testing capabilities available to them.

The first known horse race took place in France as part of an informal wager between noblemen. Under Louis XIV (1643-1715), France established a jockey club and other regulations regarding racing rules such as certification of origin requirements for foreign horses and extra weight penalties. Under his reign, these races became known as King’s Plates – becoming an extremely popular form of flat racing across Europe.