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Pick Pony | Sept. 23, 2024, 2:20 p.m.
When considering horse racing, people might not think about its impact on the planet as a top concern. Unlike F1 racing, which involves combustion engines producing carbon emissions, horse racing involves jockeys riding horses around a track. However, horse racing does have a significant impact on the planet, primarily due to travel. It's a global sport with events happening worldwide, leading to frequent travel for racehorse owners and resulting carbon emissions.
In addition to travel, other factors like waste management, water solutions, and energy consumption by major racetracks also contribute to the sport's environmental impact.
Nevertheless, there is progress in the field. Many horse racing organizations and racecourses are implementing green practices to make the sport more eco-friendly.
Why Horse Racing Needs to Be More Sustainable?
We all need to do everything we can to reduce our impact on the planet. The climate crisis threatens everything, including horse racing. Sudden climate changes caused by global warming can make managing the sport very challenging, from unpredictable track conditions to disrupting breeding schedules.Nobody, including bettors, wants that. Unpredictable track conditions are a real nightmare and make it even more difficult to win a bet. Therefore, moving towards sustainability is not just about saving the planet, but also about preserving horse racing.an Horse Racing Be More Sustainable?
Can we really help the planet by making changes to horse racing? Horse racing may seem better for the environment than some sports because it doesn't use coal or fuel directly. However, there's still room to make it even more eco-friendly.
1. Racecourses Going Solar
Energy consumption is a significant concern, particularly for large events like the Kentucky Derby. Just picture more than 150,000 people entering Churchill Downs, leading to substantial energy usage over the weekend.
Currently, most racecourses rely on traditional electricity sources, often derived from oil. However, there is hope on the horizon. Many racecourses have begun transitioning to greener energy solutions such as solar and wind power. This not only reduces carbon emissions but also lowers long-term operational costs.
Despite these positive changes, the transition to green energy practices is progressing slowly, and it will take years for most racecourses to fully adopt these practices. The primary obstacle lies in funding. It's important to note that renewable energy technology solutions are quite expensive. As a result, many racecourses cannot afford to invest millions of dollars in these sources. Nevertheless, as more racecourses recognize the long-term financial benefits, this trend is beginning to shift.
2. Water Management
Maintaining lush, green tracks for races requires a significant amount of water, so proper water management is crucial. For example, courses like Newmarket have installed rainwater harvesting systems to reduce their reliance on mains water. Other tracks are exploring smarter irrigation systems that minimize waste by only watering areas that need it, leading to a more efficient use of water resources.
3. Waste Reduction and Recycling
Race days create a significant amount of waste, including food packaging and disposable cups. Some racecourses have begun addressing this issue by offering more recycling options and promoting the use of reusable materials. For instance, Chester Racecourse in the UK has pledged to become a zero-waste venue. Such initiatives contribute to reducing the environmental impact of large events.
4. Green Transportation for Racegoers
Horse racing events attract large crowds, with many people traveling long distances to attend. Some racecourses have begun providing incentives for attendees who use public transport or carpool to reduce their carbon footprint. Certain events are also exploring carbon offset programs, allowing attendees to offset the emissions generated by their travel.
What Can Be Improved?
The road to sustainability has seen some progress, but it's not without challenges. One major obstacle is funding. Implementing green technology and sustainable practices can be expensive, and many smaller racecourses can't afford to make the shift. This is why industry-wide cooperation and investment are crucial. The sustainability report recommends creating a robust funding framework to support these green initiatives.
Another area that needs improvement is waste management. While some racecourses are increasing their recycling efforts, there's still a long way to go. Events like the Kentucky Derby attract large crowds, leading to a significant amount of waste, including plastic cups and food containers. A more comprehensive approach to waste reduction is necessary, which could include banning single-use plastics and adopting reusable alternatives.