The Italian Horse Race
A horse race is a contest between two or more horses to win a specific event, typically a monetary prize. The winner of a horse race is determined by a panel of judges who evaluate the performance of each horse over a given distance. The judge’s scores are then combined to produce a final score that determines the winner of the race.
Despite the efforts of racing officials, the sport is struggling to find new fans. Many would-be fans are turned off by scandals involving doping and safety. The sport is also expensive and often geared toward the wealthy, who can afford to place bets in the thousands of dollars on each horse. According to IBISWorld, the industry is facing declines in both its number of customers and revenues.
As of 2021, the United States had 31 commercial horse tracks. The majority of these are located in the southern part of the country. The industry employs more than 70,000 people and contributes $3.8 billion to the economy, making it one of the largest employers in rural communities across America. Despite the decline, however, racing has always been a popular form of entertainment among a small segment of the American public.
The prestigious Siena horse race takes place in the Piazza del Campo, where the streets are covered with a gritty mixture of clay and dirt that forms a compact track for the horses while protecting the ancient cobbles underneath. The square is transformed for the day, as bleachers are erected and barriers are placed around the track.
In the center of the square sits a starting line of nine impatient horses that have lined up behind the starting rope. When the ninth horse begins running and levels with its rivals, a flag drops, signaling the start of the race. For a minute and a half, the jockeys on each of the horse use their whip to encourage their mounts – and occasionally to lash fellow riders – as they try to force their way ahead of their competition.
At the end of the race, the winning horse is awarded a silver trophy and its jockey receives a cash prize. The race is a celebration of a centuries-old tradition that began in England and spread to the colonies. The first organized race in North America took place in New York City in 1664, and it was a test of endurance rather than speed.
In corporate circles, a horse race is a leadership contest in which several executives compete for the top job. Proponents say that a company that successfully uses this approach cultivates a culture of internal competition and a deep understanding of its people’s abilities. This approach can be risky, though, and some boards are wary of an overt contest for the CEO role.