Are Horses Faster Now?

Question

In human sports events, runners and swimmers are faster than ever because of the technologies of shoes, swimsuits, etc.

What about Horse racing? Are the horses running faster now than they did 50 years ago? If so, what kind of technology would contribute to it? Could the horses be getting steroids?

Answer 1

No, I don't think so- if anything, they are not only not as fast, they are WEAKER because of all the over and inbreeding which Thoroughbreds as a breed are subjected to. One of the consequences of this, apart from the shrinking of the gene pool and a rise in defects which cause catastrophic injuries, is slower speeds and an inability to race at longer distances without the horse tiring or getting hurt. Steroids do not have the same impact on horses that they do on humans- and in any case, state law prohibits their usage in almost every state that has racing or has tracks. These laws are RIGOROUSLY enforced- and penalties for violations can range from suspensions to loss of licensure, to criminal penalties in some cases- and this includes fines and jail time for the offenders. There have been plenty of unscrupulous people in racing who have tried to cheat and give their horses performance enhancing drugs over the years, and without exception, they have ALL gotten caught. Most of these people aren't in the business any more, which is a good thing. Horse racing is not like baseball- people can't cheat easily and get by with it.

As for technology improving the lives or speed of horses, about the only thing which can be said in that category is that there really isn't much. Sure, we have lightweight equipment and shoes for the horses ( racing tack is some of the lightest in existance, and most shoes worn by race horses these days are made from aluminum or fiberglass) but apart from this, not much about racing has changed in the last half century, except for the genetic factor. Technology doesn't change genetics, at least not easily, and certain kinds of breeding are prohibited by the Jockey Club. This includes artificial insemination and embryo transfers- foals born that way are ineligible for registration and competition, regardless of where they came from. This is done to protect the integrity of both the Thoroughbred as a breed and to protect the sport of racing. It does limit the amount of breeding which can be done, however.