Whether it’s feeling the earth shake as a mass of thundering hooves goes barreling down the stretch during a horse race or watching a jockey win the Kentucky Derby, there are few sports more exciting than horse racing. But it’s also an industry rife with drug abuse and injuries, where horses’ careers often end in the slaughterhouse. And for every winner, there are thousands of dead racehorses whose stories we never hear.

Horse racing is a billion dollar industry and one of the most popular spectator and betting activities worldwide. It is a sport with a rich history dating back to ancient Greece, when it was first documented as a competitive activity between the horses of noblemen. The popularity of the sport is attributed to its global appeal and the elite breeding programs that produce some of the best horses in the world.

A runner is typically a Thoroughbred with Type I muscle fibers, which are adapted for aerobic exercise and rely on the presence of oxygen. They have a balanced mix of fast-twitch muscles as well, which gives them the ability to generate speed and endurance.

To achieve the balance of speed and endurance, a runner needs to run at a brisk pace, which requires a lot of energy. As a result, they may need to be fed supplements such as creatine or oats in order to stay healthy and perform at their peak.

The onset of modern technology and betting options has made horse racing a truly global industry. As the sport continues to grow and evolve, it’s important to understand the impact that it has on the lives of the animals that make it all possible.

The death of Eight Belles and Medina Spirit sparked a much needed reckoning of the sport’s ethics and integrity. But a real change would involve a fundamental restructuring of the entire industry at the macro business level, including instituting a comprehensive wraparound aftercare solution for all ex-racehorses. It would require a complete rethinking of all decisions, from how horses are bred and conditioned to the amount of time they’re allowed to run and their age at retirement. And it would include a clear commitment to more naturally and equine friendly lifestyles for these magnificent athletes once they retire.

Let’s honor the memory of Eight Belles, Medina Spirit, Keepthename, Creative Plan and Laoban by calling for a new beginning in this sport that they deserve. After all, it was taken from them. It shouldn’t be taken from the thousands of others who will come behind them.