Summer heat forces South Korean horse racing to pause, but 'night racing' criticized for inadequate protection

South Korea's horse racing authority is under fire for its 'night racing' system, implemented to minimize heat exposure for horses and jockeys, but which critics argue is ineffective during extreme heatwaves. Animal welfare groups contend that races commence around noon, the hottest part of the day, forcing horses to run at dangerous body temperatures. The groups are urging the authority to establish concrete standards for adjusting race times and canceling events during heatwaves.

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The horses have to run at full speed during the hottest time of the day. Horses running on a hot track, combined with radiant heat, high humidity, and their own body heat, can have their body temperature rise to 41-42 degrees Celsius.

Jeju Vegan, a local animal welfare organization, has been protesting outside the Jeju Racecourse since the 'night racing' began on August 7. They argue that despite temperatures nearing 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit), races proceeded without adequate measures. The organization stated that horses running at full speed during the hottest hours, on tracks heated by the sun, can experience body temperature spikes to 41-42 degrees Celsius, significantly above their average of 38 degrees Celsius. They question the fairness of asking horses to sprint while humans are advised to avoid outdoor activities.

In response to the heat, the Korea Racing Authority announced heatwave response guidelines on August 8. These guidelines adjust operations based on heatwave advisories. During a heatwave warning (two consecutive days with a perceived temperature of 35 degrees Celsius or higher), the operation times for the pre-race exhibition area and track entry will be adjusted. Under a severe heatwave warning (daily peak temperature of 39 degrees Celsius or perceived temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or higher), an emergency meeting will be held to consider race cancellations based on weather and site conditions.

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You cannot ask horses to sprint when people are advised to refrain from outdoor activities.

However, Jeju Vegan points out that even after these guidelines were introduced, midday races continued in Seoul, Busan, and Jeju from August 7-8, with daytime temperatures ranging from 36 to 39 degrees Celsius. The group demands transparency regarding the specific heat levels that will trigger race time changes or cancellations. They also highlight that horses must arrive at the underground stable 50 minutes before the race, with little shade along their route. International standards, such as those in the UK and Japan, involve automatic cancellations or schedule shifts during extreme heat, prompting calls for South Korea to adopt similar protective measures.

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Horse racing, unlike soccer or baseball, involves different horses and jockeys in each race. The maximum outdoor exposure time is 23 minutes for a horse and about 12 minutes for a jockey.