Freedom for horses

I get really quite annoyed that a select few people who have more money than sense use horses merely for the "sport" of horse racing. The racecourse at Bath has really poor access, so every time there is a race, it takes twice as long to get home after work, because of people leaving the race track.

I really see no point whatsoever for horse racing, or forthat matter, horse riding in general. In this day an age where we place so much value in the care of animals, why are horses treated in this manner? We no longer need them for transport, and we don't eat them (at least, not in the UK) - the way people use horses for racing and riding to my mind seems like cruelty. Having a metal bar in your mouth and being whipped doesn't sound like my idea of enjoyment.