A horse race is a contest of speed among horses that are either ridden by jockeys or pulled by sulkies and their drivers. Bettors place wagers on which horse will win a race and often also make accumulator bets that cover several horses. The prize money varies according to the race.

For human spectators, the frenzied, sweaty horses running in a tight pack can be a riveting sight to witness. But a horse’s main concern is survival, not trophies or money or adulation – which are all human abstractions. What a horse really wants, experts say, is to avoid injury and survive its long, strenuous run.

The New York Times recently published a troubling article that revealed a dark side to horse racing: drug abuse, broken bones, gruesome breakdowns and slaughter. The story focused on trainer Steve Asmussen and his assistant Scott Blasi. The two are responsible for the care of some of the top thoroughbreds in America, training at Churchill Downs and Saratoga. They have been accused by PETA and other animal rights groups of mistreating their horses.

This is not the first time PETA has alleged cruelty in horse racing, but the allegations against these trainers are particularly disturbing, because they involve world-class horses and their training at revered tracks. The story also highlights how horse racing tries to sell a narrative that draws in human audiences: the gritty pursuit of Triple Crown glory. But trophies and winning are irrelevant to horses, neuroscientists point out. For a horse, winning is simply an abstract concept that is not related to survival at all.

As PETA points out, most trainers, assistant trainers, jockeys and riders care deeply about their horses and would never intentionally harm them. Yet the fact remains that, as a whole, the horse racing industry fails to provide decent care for its animals.

The reason is that a horse race is a brutal sport, one that forces these animals to sprint (often at speeds that can cause injuries or even hemorrhage in the lungs) under threat of whips and electric shock devices. When a horse feels cornered and cannot escape it will fight – what Black calls a chemical reaction fueled by adrenaline and cortisol. When a jockey sees the animal fighting, she is likely to strike him with her whip, as was the case with Rich Strike.

Almost every thoroughbred that runs a race receives a dose of Lasix, an anti-bleeding medication. Known as the “race-day diuretic,” it helps prevent pulmonary bleeding caused by hard running and causes the horses to unload epic amounts of urine, sometimes twenty or thirty pounds worth. As a result, these horses become dehydrated and weaker. And they are also less willing to work as they struggle for air. This can lead to the breaking down of their muscles and tendons. The resulting lameness is called a splint.

There are countless people around the world who are working hard to make an impactful difference. They deserve to be recognized for their efforts while simultaneously inspiring others to join their cause. This is why there are sidney prize awards that can be given to such individuals. These prizes are designed to help them continue their good works while allowing the public to see the positive impacts they are having.

There is a range of sidney prizes that can be awarded, each with its own criteria for who should receive the award. For example, the Sydney Peace Prize is awarded to those who are working to promote peace in their country or region. The winner is chosen by a panel of judges who take into account the person’s past achievements as well as their potential for continued contributions to society.

The Sidney Myer Performing Arts Award is also given to individuals who are contributing in the field of the arts. The selection process for this award is done on a national basis and each nominee is carefully considered by the Judging Committee. This year, the award has been expanded from eight to twelve recipients, a move that was made in order to acknowledge the role of the performing arts in Australia’s cultural identity and sense of community spirit.

Another sidney prize is the Sydney Book Award, which is granted to undergraduate students for exceptional written work in a number of different subject areas. This award was established in memory of the Dartmouth College professor Sidney Cox, who was known for his great literary talents as well as his ability to motivate his students towards reaching their full potential. This award is presented in an informal ceremony, similar to the weekly gatherings that Professor Cox used to host for his students.

Other notable sidney prizes include the Hillman Prize, which is given to journalists who are committed to pursuing social justice through their work. This award is given monthly, and the winner is selected based on an outstanding piece that has been published in a newspaper, magazine or news website. Previous winners have included Rose Arce, Ta-Nehisi Coates and Ed Yong.

The Neilma Sidney Short Story Prize is also worth noting, as it is a competition that honors writers who are dedicated to the art of short fiction. The prize is valued at $5000, with the first place winning author receiving a cash prize of $5000 and two runners-up getting $750 each. The winner will be featured in Overland’s autumn 2024 issue, while the runners-up stories will be published online.

The John Parris Distinguished Professor of Appalachian Studies at Western Carolina University, Ron Rash, has been awarded the 2020 Sidney Lanier Prize for Southern Literature from Mercer University’s Spencer B. King Center for Southern Studies. The award is given annually to a 19th-century American writer who demonstrates the highest standards of originality and integrity in his or her work. The scholarship will be used to support the research and teaching of Southern literature at Mercer University.