As the once-thriving thoroughbred horse racing industry in America fades into obscurity, a former track worker reflects on the glory days and the harsh realities that have led to its demise. From the exploitative practices of track operators to the plight of the everyday racehorses, this article delves into the complex web of issues that have contributed to the sport's decline.

Uncovering the Underbelly of Thoroughbred Racing

The Rise and Fall of a Racehorse

Dodgen Bullets, a Bob Baffert trainee, was no star, but he was willing and innocent, like all racehorses. The author vividly recounts the day he exercised Dodgen Bullets into his first race, a Maiden Special Weight for two-year-olds, which the horse won decisively. The connections pocketed over $50,000 in purse money, while the author collected nearly $500 betting on the victory. However, the author now sees the twisted nature of their celebration, as Dodgen Bullets was led back to the barn, sweat-drenched and perhaps frightened.Despite the win, the author had no interest in gambling and was ignorant of the whole procedure, fearing the loss of the little money they had. Yet, for many underpaid backside workers, betting was a way to shore up their low wages. Over the years, as poverty on the backside has persisted and horses have been endlessly churned through the industry without any mandated lifelong protection, track operators have exploited the system to curate a more financially appealing landscape for themselves.

The Rise of Computer-Assisted Wagering

Tracks like Del Mar, where the Breeders' Cup will be held, have become playgrounds for computer-assisted wagering (CAW) teams. These teams use the wagering pools created by everyday bettors as a host for their parasitic activities, working based on big figure deals with the tracks. Industry heavyweights like The Stronach Group, New York Racing Association, and Churchill Downs own the platforms these teams use to gamble on, giving them a significant advantage over the average bettor.According to industry experts, CAW teams use "finely honed systems, algorithms that sense vast amounts of data and place their bets in very quick fashion, oftentimes right before the race begins." This allows them to "batch bet" and target the average bettor's weakness for profit. While CAW play has grown in recent years, run-of-the-mill wagering has declined by two-thirds, with a dozen or so "high frequency bettors" constituting about one-third of all betting on US thoroughbred racing.

The Exploitation of the Everyday Bettor

The average bettor, including the grandparents who bet on weekends, the broke student, or the backside worker, is at a significant disadvantage compared to the CAW teams. These teams receive special rates and significant rebates tied to their track deals, further tilting the playing field in their favor. Many bettors believe that CAWs also receive internal pool information, giving them an even greater edge.This exploitation of the everyday bettor is a key factor in the decline of thoroughbred racing. As the industry becomes increasingly dominated by these high-tech wagering teams, the average bettor is left feeling disillusioned and disconnected from the sport they once loved.

The Uncertain Future of Thoroughbred Racing

The thoroughbred horse racing industry in North America is facing a bleak future. As the sport continues to fade, track operators are "inviting vultures to pick the bones of the carcass," according to a track friend. The long-term trends of declining foal crops, shorter fields, and reduction in race dates have led to the shuttering of tracks across the nation, even the famous Santa Anita Park.The future of US horse racing is likely to be a more boutique affair, with only the most prestigious tracks like those in New York and Churchill Downs surviving on select expensive race days. In some states, like Louisiana, racing may continue to operate with "unapologetic lawlessness," but the overall outlook for the sport is bleak.Dodgen Bullets' story is a microcosm of the industry's decline. From his promising debut at Del Mar to his ignominious end at the low-rent Los Alamitos Quarter Horse Track, his fate is a reflection of the harsh realities faced by countless racehorses. The author's guilt over their role in this system is palpable, as they acknowledge that Dodgen Bullets, like the everyday bettor, was never going to finish on the lead because the game is designed to take until there is nothing left, then turn its back on the ruin and move on.

As the push for electric vehicles (EVs) gains momentum across California, a critical question arises: how safe are these eco-friendly alternatives compared to their traditional counterparts? The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has taken on the task of investigating this pressing issue, conducting extensive crash tests to better understand the safety implications of this emerging technology.

Unlocking the Future of Sustainable Mobility

Embracing the EV Revolution in California

The state of California has emerged as a trailblazer in the electric vehicle revolution, with EVs now accounting for a remarkable 25 percent of the new car market. This surge in EV adoption reflects a growing societal shift towards sustainable transportation solutions, driven by a collective desire to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the environmental impact of traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.However, as the EV landscape continues to evolve, concerns have been raised about the safety implications of this technological shift. Professor Ron Faller, a leading expert at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, cautions that it is still too early to draw definitive conclusions about the safety of electric vehicles. "It will take three to five years before the university has enough research to better address EV safety concerns," he explains, underscoring the need for a comprehensive and methodical approach to evaluating the performance of these vehicles in crash scenarios.

Crash Testing: Uncovering the Realities of EV Safety

At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, researchers are taking a proactive approach to understanding the safety of electric vehicles. By conducting rigorous crash tests, they aim to uncover the unique challenges and potential vulnerabilities associated with this emerging technology."The big push is on to get more electric vehicles into garages across California," says Professor Faller, highlighting the urgency of this research. "As the adoption of EVs continues to rise, it is crucial that we thoroughly investigate their safety performance to ensure the well-being of drivers and passengers."The crash testing process involves subjecting electric vehicles to a range of simulated collision scenarios, allowing researchers to analyze the structural integrity of the vehicles, the effectiveness of safety features, and the potential risks posed to occupants. This meticulous approach provides valuable insights that can inform the design and development of future EV models, ultimately enhancing the overall safety of these eco-friendly transportation solutions.

Navigating the Evolving Landscape of EV Safety

While the crash testing efforts at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln are still in the early stages, the findings from this research will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future of electric vehicle safety. As Professor Faller emphasizes, it will take several years to accumulate the necessary data and draw definitive conclusions.In the meantime, the ongoing research serves as a crucial stepping stone in understanding the unique safety considerations associated with electric vehicles. By proactively addressing these concerns, the automotive industry and regulatory bodies can work together to develop robust safety standards and design features that prioritize the well-being of EV drivers and passengers.As the electric vehicle revolution continues to gain momentum, the insights gleaned from these crash tests will be instrumental in ensuring that the transition to sustainable mobility is not only environmentally friendly but also prioritizes the safety and security of all road users.