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Competition in motorsports lacks need for implanted heart regulators

Runners gathering for the Sprint Cup on Saturday will bring me a sense of relief that we are not subject to the unwanted intrusion that had been anticipated... (Continue Reading)

Racing ought to exclude the use of pacemakers
Racing ought to exclude the use of pacemakers

Competition in motorsports lacks need for implanted heart regulators

In the world of horse racing, the Sprint Cup, scheduled for this coming Saturday, is set to break tradition by not using a pacemaker. This decision is in contrast to longer distance races like the St Leger in Doncaster next weekend, where a pacemaker is often employed to set a consistent tempo.

The absence of a pacemaker in the Sprint Cup is due to the race strategy and pace dynamics differing from those of longer races. Pacemakers are typically used in racing to shape the race tactically, benefiting a stablemate. However, in shorter sprint races, the pace is often dictated by the horses themselves, making a pacemaker unnecessary.

Despite this, it's worth noting that pacemakers have won races before, albeit unintentionally. A notable example is Qirat, who won a race earlier this summer despite being a pacemaker. This unexpected victory has sparked debate within the racing community, with some finding it baffling that racing accepts pacemakers in the first place.

One such critic is the speaker, who recently expressed their disapproval, stating that pacemakers are not supposed to win the race. They find it surprising that racing allows pacemakers to influence the outcome of a race, particularly when their primary role is to set the pace for another horse.

However, connections of pacemakers are generally open about their duties, and some punters might prefer them as they can prevent a slow race. The Racing Post, a digital newspaper valued at over £100 per month, offers award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing. It provides form study tools such as the Pro Card and Horse Tracker, an extensive archive of statistics, and expert tips by Tom Segal and Paul Kealy.

Replays and results analysis are available from all UK and Irish racecourses, ensuring that racing fans stay up-to-date with the latest developments. As the Sprint Cup approaches, racing enthusiasts can look forward to a fast-paced, exciting race, free from the influence of pacemakers.

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