Pre-reading questions:
- Would you rather watch a car race, motorcycle race or horse race? Explain your answer.
- Do you think horse racing is a sport? Discuss.
Arrogate bagged the most expensive prize in thoroughbred racing last Saturday at the Pegasus World Cup in Florida. He won against the equally famous California Chrome. According to jockey Mike Smith, Arrogate ran so well that day that they secured the $7 million prize. Shaman Ghost and Neolithic finished second and third respectively. Unfortunately for Victor Espinoza and California Chrome, they finished ninth. A close fight was expected between Arrogate and California Chrome following their grand match last November 2016.
Pegasus World Cup’s is now the richest horse racing event in history as it raised $12 million, exceeding Dubai World Cup’s $10 million pot. This momentous event also attracted several celebrities. UFC champion Conor McGregor watched the race. Twelve thousand racegoers and enthusiasts attended the race at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida.
Vocabulary:
bag [verb] – to win something
thoroughbred [adjective] – (a horse) with parents that are of the same breed and have good qualities
grand [adjective] – important and large in degree
exceed [verb] – to be greater than a number or amount
pot [noun] – all the money contributed by a group of people for a particular purpose
enthusiast [noun] – a person who is very interested in a particular activity or subject
Comprehension Questions:
- According to the article, who claimed the richest prize in thoroughbred racing?
- When and where was the event held?
- Who were the top 3 winners of the race?
- How much was the pot money raised by the 2017 Pegasus World Cup in Florida?
- How many people attended the event?
Express Your Opinion:
- What do you think about using animals in sports? Discuss.
- What are your thoughts on horse racing?
- Do you agree that all thoroughbred horses are fast? Please explain your answer.
- Would you consider betting in thoroughbred racing? Please explain your answer.
- Should horse racing be banned? Explain.