The Effects of Horse Race Coverage on Third-Party Political Campaigns

A horse race is a competition in which horses are ridden by jockeys or pulled by sulkies and drivers. It can be either a flat race or a steeplechase. There is growing concern about animal cruelty in the industry. Many people criticize the practice of racing, arguing that it is inhumane and corrupt. Others argue that the sport is a pinnacle of achievement for competitors and represents an important cultural tradition.

The horse race that was the subject of this article took place on July 20, 2020, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. It was a stakes race, which means that it had a high prize money. The event was televised nationally. A video was released shortly after the race that showed alleged cruelty by two top trainers, Steve Asmussen and Scott Blasi.

Asmussen and Blasi have been charged with multiple violations of racing laws, including the use of illegal drugs and abusive training practices. Blasi was also accused of using a device called a jigger, which causes severe pain and distress to the animal when used with certain cues. Both men have denied the charges.

There are a number of problems with horse races, including the use of illegal drugs to increase speed and mask pain, and the lack of regulation that allows crooks to thrive. It is also difficult to find competent jockeys and stable managers. The sport is also prone to injuries and breakdowns. Often, injured horses are sold to new owners without the presence of the veterinarian. This can cause long-term damage to the animal and can result in it being permanently lame or dead. The new owners can then auction the horse, which is commonly sent to slaughter in foreign factories.

When journalists focus on who is winning and losing instead of discussing policy issues — what’s known as horse race coverage — voters, candidates and the news industry itself suffer, according to research. The recent discovery that a type of polling known as probabilistic forecasting can be misleading is another example of the negative effects of horse race journalism. When this type of reporting is overdone, it can hurt third-party political candidates and give incumbents a leg up.