Why do commentators try to give all-time great horses human-like characteristics?

Question

it's like, Secretariat really adored the public, Big Brown is extremely playful almost like a child, etc...

Answer 1

Colorful commentary is more effective in terms that listeners and readers readily identify.  It is the dynamic interaction of animal and human effort that makes thoroughbred racing so exciting.  Sports writers articulate the relationships.

Many thoroughbreds seem to have high intellects.  Runners often know the difference between a race day and other days.  When the race day routine is progressing, smarter thoroughbreds will psych up in anticipation of competing.  Among equestrians there is consensus that "good horses know" they are good.

Answer 2

They are anthropomorphizing. It is a way to explain horse behavior in a way everyone (including announcers) can understand.

Answer 3

im an aussie so i dont listen to a lot of racing in the usa, but what i have noticed is that american race callers only seem to concentrate on the the first few horses during a race and almost forget about the rest of the field!

in comparasin aussie race callers will go through the entire field ( their positions) several times through-out a race!

why this occurs, i have no idea!

if you get the oppertunity to listen and compare race calling styles maybe on you tube or sky channel.com, i would be intersted in hearing your opinion!