The term horse race can refer to any contest between political candidates or any type of close competition; however, more specifically it refers to an event involving horses which has become increasingly controversial in recent years. A horse race involves pressurizing horses under severe pressure at top speeds which can result in injuries or even fatalities; some may view this form of competition favorably while others take a far different view.

Thoroughbred racing requires horses to sprint for their owners’ profits — often at great personal sacrifice. Trainers push them beyond their physical limitations by using illegal performance-enhancing drugs and disregarding any physical limitations. A typical race typically sees their heart rate go from 25 beats per minute up to 250 beats per minute, leading to total exhaustion or collapse; whips are used against horses while electric shockers add stress; they may also be drugged and given corticosteroid medications to mask pain so they keep running without stopping; those that do so may then end up slaughtered for meat production after racing is complete.

Horses who do survive often only find limited happiness. Their value lies only when they bring in winnings; once that end, many are shot or sent for slaughtering. A few may end up as beloved equestrian partners while most will become cheap meat or pork products in their final years.

Selecting the next CEO via a horse race can have severe repercussions if not executed properly. When boards of directors select one candidate over another without conducting comprehensive assessments and developing internal leaders for future expansion purposes, businesses risk losing key talent that would aid future expansion efforts.

Politics may be difficult enough without having to navigate mudslinging, name calling and attack ads that muddy the waters further. When journalists focus on this kind of coverage – known as horse race journalism – voters, candidates and the news industry itself lose out, according to multiple studies.