I think they have improved the conditions and standards for the animals over the years but it is still at least an exploitative sport. I knew someone that owned a few race horses and he invited me to dine in the owner's lounge at Woodbine once during an evening race session. That was a fun experience. He grew up on a farm with horses and had a great love for them. At the time I didn't ask how he felt about these things and unfortunately he passed away a few years ago, so I will never know.