Global decline of horse racing
The closure of racetracks globally reflects broader challenges facing the horse racing industry. In the US, over 40 tracks have shut down since 2000. The UK has witnessed the closure of numerous racecourses over the past 50 years, often to make way for housing projects. Similarly, Singapore closed its last racecourse in 2023 to accommodate public housing needs. Land scarcity is a significant reason behind these closures, as racetracks require extensive space for entertainment. However, the decline is only partially due to space constraints; horse racing is losing popularity. A 2022 study by The Jockey Club revealed a 30% decline in attendance at US horse races since 2000. In the UK, horse racing attendance dropped below 5 million in 2022 for the first time since 1995.
Source: Canva
Factors contributing to the waning interest include the rise of modern gambling forms, the advent of casinos, and online gambling. Moreover, concerns about the welfare of racing animals, driven by environmental activists, have led to a global reassessment of the sport. Public opinion is shifting, with polls indicating a widespread belief that racing animals is cruel. Activists worldwide are drawing attention to the systemic animal abuse within the industry, from the early separation of foals to the tragic end many racehorses face on the track.
Source: Canva
Disturbing statistics reveal high mortality rates at racetracks. From 2009 to 2022, 7,062 horses died at American racetracks, and in Australia, a horse dies on average every 2.5 days on a racetrack. Additionally, the fate of horses that don't make it to the track, often facing early slaughter, highlights the industry’s dark side. The life of a racehorse is marred by stress, misery, and doping scandals. Despite repeated attempts at reform, the industry remains entrenched in animal abuse. It's no surprise that for many of us, the only way to save racehorses is to stop them from having to race.
On the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the decline of this industry is also recorded compared to the previous period. This sport, which enjoyed great popularity in this region during the Austro-Hungarian period, survives today mostly thanks to enthusiasts and lovers of this cruel sport. During the year, two races are usually held in Bihać, two in Velika Kladuša, then in Sana, Nevesinje, and Bijeljina. These are places in Bosnia and Herzegovina that have hippodromes, some of which are in better and others that are in bad condition. In Butmir, a place with one of the most famous horse races and hippodromes in Europe, no more horse races are being held today. There are about 50 racing horses in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but that number is higher because it does not include horses that are used for other purposes due to serious injuries, such as therapeutic riding, recreation, meat, etc.
As we have written before about this problem and the inhumane treatment and exploitation of horses, we would like to emphasize that it is precisely because of these consequences that the complete suspension of the mentioned industry is necessary.
