Racing question (tack related)

[AdorableAlice]

I understand why blinkers, half blinkers, visors and cheek pieces are used.

I am confined to four walls at the moment and watching endless hours of racing and have noticed many horses are wearing hoods with no blinkers attached.

What effect does a hood actually have on a racehorse please ?

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

The ears are padded so dulls out the sound effectively without having to resort to ear plugs which many don't like and will shake out.

 

[AdorableAlice]

Thank you.