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There has been much controversy in horse racing due to the fact of jockeys using crops, and the deaths of horses in the horse racing sport.
Animal rights
During races, some jockeys use a crop to hit the horse in the rump to direct their effort and possibly run faster. Based on the most detailed statistical study of whipping ever carried out, it is actually counterproductive and slows the horse down [http://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/news/news_display.php?URN=237&searchText=; causing them to become distracted and dangerously veer off course.
In a sport that is not only highly competitive but relies on high-stakes gambling to sustain itself, some people feel it is unlikely that a practice shown to be a disadvantage would continue.
In Norway use of the whip is banned, except for in emergencies. It is also heavily restricted in India, where jockeys are not allowed to use a whip until they have proven they are capable of winning without it. The British Jockey Club responds to criticism of the whip by acknowledging that "the Jockey Club has long advised riders that more races are lost rather than won through use of the whip".
Equine deaths
Some 375 in-racing horses die every year in the UK alone. They may die on the course itself, from injuries received in training or be killed by their owners - considered no longer commercially viable.
Lost horses
The UK & Ireland horse racing industry breeds around 15,000 horses each year. Only around 5,000 of these enter racing. This leaves a 'surplus' of ten thousand horses who must be found homes. In addition to this, 5,000 horses leave racing each year, who must also be found retirement homes.
A very small number are used in breeding. Others are sold to hunters who ride horseback, for point-to-pointing (another horse sport), and general recreational riding. Animal Aid, a UK animal rights organization, contends that around half of these "lost" horses are killed to be fed to hunting hounds, used for pet food, or exported for human consumption.
See also
References
"Controversy in horse racing"