A horse race is a method of selecting a new chief executive officer that pits candidates in an overt contest. It’s a strategy that’s worked at many admired companies, including General Electric and Procter & Gamble. But some executives and governance observers are wary of this approach, fearing it may have a negative impact on the company’s culture and performance.
The horse races begin with the horses trotting up the ramp onto the track, pulling single-seat chariots behind them. Their drivers, dressed in garish green and bright pink silks, hop into position. The clip-clop of their hooves reaches a cacophony as the gates swing open and the race starts.
A few horses plod forward, while others accelerate out of the gate and sprint for the finish line. Then the pace slows and jockeys begin to tire. The most prestigious races are called conditions races, and they offer the biggest purses. To keep the races fair, all the competitors are given the same amount of weight to carry. The weights are determined based on the horses’ ability and age, with allowances given to younger and female horses.
The horses are pushed so hard that they often bleed from their lungs, a condition known as exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH). Some will suffer from fractured limbs or be euthanized after breaking down. Then there are the drugs: Most horses are given a cocktail of legal and illegal chemicals designed to mask injuries, increase speed, and create an illusion of fitness. Jockeys are also at risk: Two jockeys die and 60 are paralyzed each year, and the job is regarded as one of the most dangerous in sports.
In addition to the equine suffering, the industry’s business model is flawed. Racing is losing fans, races, and revenues. It’s no wonder that critics like PETA have called for reform and a ban on the sport.
The sport’s proponents counter that the money it generates stimulates a multibillion-dollar equine economy, from breeders to trainers to local farmers who grow carrots and hay for feed. Plus, they point out, lots of other sports get government subsidies.
Nevertheless, the cruelty inflicted on racehorses is a major issue for animal rights activists and a growing number of Americans. The exploitation of these beautiful animals leads to an unavoidable conclusion: Stop the race before it’s too late.
The next time you see a race on television, consider whether the sport is worth the pain it causes. And remember that you can watch all the action live on our website by clicking or tapping a race title or our Fast Results service, where you’ll find detailed race result detail as well as premium Timeform post racing analysis. It’s even easier to follow the action from your mobile device. You can even watch the races on your TV screen using our Timeform TV app. Just download it from the App Store or Google Play and follow our simple instructions to get started.