Here's a breakdown:
How it was affected:
* Reduced Racing: Many racecourses were closed or used for military purposes. The number of races and horses participating declined significantly due to manpower shortages, travel restrictions, and rationing of feed and other resources.
* Changes in Stakes: Prize money decreased as a result of wartime economic constraints.
* Wartime Handicapping: Handicapping systems were adjusted to account for the reduced racing opportunities and the impact on horses' fitness levels.
* Patriotic Events: Racing events were sometimes used for patriotic purposes, with proceeds going to war charities.
Notable aspects:
* "Warhorses": Racehorses that had been retired from racing were sometimes used for military purposes, carrying supplies and equipment.
* Horses in the Military: Horses were still used in the war by some armies, particularly for cavalry units.
* Racing's Role in Morale: Horse racing continued to be a popular form of entertainment for civilians, providing a sense of normalcy and escape during wartime.
Overall, horse racing during World War II faced significant challenges but continued to exist in a diminished form, playing a role in wartime morale and the ongoing tradition of the sport.