Horse races: An event in which horses, pulled by single-seat chariots, are guided around a track by jockeys riding them. Their hooves click rhythmically until the announcer gives the signal for “Go!” when all four horses launch themselves off into an exciting journey.

Plans in horse racing are frequently altered at the last moment. This is especially true when races that were initially scheduled in a point book (a schedule of races for a given period) don’t fill, or when an extra race suddenly appears on a card; trainers and owners then need to scramble quickly to find suitable races for their horses.

Last year on Preakness Day, Havnameltdown made an early charge, eventually coming within striking distance of leading horse. But as they turned the first corner in the final stretch, his leg buckled under him, forcing him down and ending his race prematurely.

As in past years, horse racing is beset with injuries and deaths that threaten its participants and spectators alike. Even those trained and most athletic horses are susceptible to physical problems resulting from being overstressed – including exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage that often necessitates doses of legal or illegal drugs designed to mask blood flow while increasing performance.

Financial costs also add up; in New York for instance, tracks and video lottery terminal companies pay a 12% takeout to the state governing body, who in turn use those funds to fund operations and purses at racetracks. Larger purses will draw better horses, which in turn draw more bettors who love betting on them as well as game operators alike.

No matter your opinion of horse racing, its economic benefits cannot be denied and the thousands of jobs it supports. But as more people turn against this industry, its legacy may become mired with controversy surrounding animal rights issues and use of drugs to enhance horse performance – this would be a shameful result; horse racing is more than just an entertainment source – it plays an integral part of America’s economy and we should do what is necessary to make sure its success and responsibility.