The Decline of Horse Racing: A Sport in Crisis
Horse racing, once a beloved and thriving sport in the United States, is now a shadow of its former self. The grandeur and excitement that once filled tracks like Yonkers Raceway and Saratoga Race Course have faded, replaced by dwindling crowds and silent racetracks. Despite the beautiful summer weather, only a few dozen spectators gather at Yonkers, a stark contrast to the 20,000 fans who once packed the stands during the sport’s peak. The decline is not just in attendance but also in revenue. Yonkers now makes less than one-fortieth of what it did in its heyday, even with the advent of online betting.
The horses, however, continue to run their mile-long harness races, driven by the promise of large purses for their owners. The payouts for winning races are significant, drawing investors with "both fists full of money," as Joe Faraldo, president of the Standardbred Owners Association of New York, puts it. The purses are funded by casino revenue, a lucrative arrangement that keeps the sport alive but raises ethical questions. Yonkers’ adjacent casino generates around $600 million annually, with $60 million allocated to purses and breeders. Across the country, this amounts to billions of dollars, creating a bizarre and unsustainable economic model where one form of gambling props up another.
The Lucrative but Troubling Alliance: Gambling and Horse Racing
The financial lifeline for horse racing comes from slot machines, a deal struck in 2001 when New York State granted licenses for casino operations. A portion of the proceeds from these slot machines, known as video lottery terminals, goes to the horse racing industry. This arrangement has been replicated in states like Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky, where hundreds of millions of dollars are funneled into the sport annually. Proponents argue that this funding supports a multibillion-dollar equine economy, from breeders and trainers to farmers who grow hay and carrots for the horses. However, critics point out that this is a form of corporate welfare, with the public subsidizing a sport that no longer resonates with the masses.
The ethical concerns are compounded by the fact that slot machines are particularly addictive and exploitative, targeting vulnerable populations. While other sports like football and basketball receive tax incentives, they have massive fan bases that justify such support. Horse racing, on the other hand, has seen its audience plummet, except for high-profile events like the Kentucky Derby. The sport’s defenders argue that it provides jobs and cultural value, but the cost to taxpayers and the moral implications of using gambling to fund it are hard to ignore.
The Dark Side of the Sport: Horse Welfare and Worker Exploitation
Behind the glamour of horse racing lies a harsh reality: the sport is inherently dangerous for both horses and workers. Since 2014, over 11,000 horses have died at American racetracks, with hundreds more succumbing to injuries each year. The rise of online betting and the pressure to maximize profits have only intensified the risks. Horses are often pushed to their limits, leading to injuries and fatalities. At Saratoga Race Course in 2023, 11 horses died during the summer meet, including a 3-year-old colt named New York Thunder, whose leg snapped during a race. The incident left even seasoned veterinarians traumatized, highlighting the brutal truth that horse racing is as deadly as it is thrilling.
The workers who care for these horses fare no better. Many are migrants from Latin America, laboring seven days a week for minimum wage and living in cramped, unsanitary dormitories. Their stories reveal a system of exploitation, with little recourse for mistreatment or injury. One worker described being fired after being injured by a horse, while another spoke of being threatened with deportation when she asked for financial help. The industry’s arguments about job creation ring hollow when the reality is one of poverty, fear, and abuse. The public is effectively underwriting this systemic mistreatment, as the sport relies on taxpayer money to stay afloat.
The Political Connections Keeping Horse Racing Alive
Horse racing’s survival is not just about economics but also politics. The sport has cultivated strong ties with state legislatures and elected officials, ensuring a steady flow of subsidies. At Saratoga Race Course, Opening Day is a showcase of power and prestige, with politicians and lobbyists mingling in the winner’s circle. New York Governor Kathy Hochul, whose husband has ties to the industry, attended a fundraiser at the track just days into her term. Similarly, prominent horse owners and lobbyists like James Featherstonhaugh, known as "Feathers," use their influence to secure public funds for the sport.
This cozy relationship has led to sweetheart deals, such as a $500 million state loan to transform Belmont Park into a luxury racing venue. Critics like State Senator Liz Krueger question the wisdom of bailing out an unpopular sport, but industry supporters argue that it creates jobs and preserves a cultural institution. The truth, however, is that horse racing’s political constituency is shrinking, and its reliance on subsidies is becoming increasingly indefensible.
The Rise of Reforms and the Fight for Accountability
In recent years, there have been efforts to address the ethical and safety concerns plaguing horse racing. The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) has implemented nationalized drug-testing programs and track inspections, reducing racing deaths by 27% in its first year. Veterinarians now inspect horses before every race, and advanced technologies like PET scans and machine-learning software are being used to flag at-risk animals. These reforms have brought hope to some, but progress remains uneven. Some states resist the changes, and harness racing has altogether opted out of oversight, claiming its horses are sturdier than thoroughbreds.
Despite these efforts, the sport remains haunted by its past. Trainers with histories of animal deaths and wage theft continue to operate, often with little consequence. The sport’s defenders insist that it is evolving, but the reality is that horse racing will always carry risks for both humans and animals. The question is whether these risks are worth the cost to taxpayers and the moral compromise of propping up a declining industry.
The Final Question: Should Horse Racing Survive?
Horse racing’s future hinges on a simple but profound question: Should the public continue to subsidize a sport that few people watch, harms its athletes, and exploits its workers? The arguments for preserving the sport—jobs, agriculture, and tradition—are legitimate but increasingly outweighed by the costs. The sport’s reliance on gambling money is a self-perpetuating cycle, with tracks running races not for fans but to justify subsidies. Even industry insiders admit that horse racing is too slow for modern audiences and struggling to attract younger fans.
As the sport stands at a crossroads, it must confront the possibility that its time in the spotlight has passed. The memories of its glory days will always be cherished, but nostalgia alone cannot justify the billions of dollars spent to keep it alive. It’s time to ask whether horse racing, as it exists today, is worth the price we’re paying—not just in money, but in lives and dignity.
