Horse racing is one of the most global sports, with major action taking place across the world on an annual basis. Therefore, the industry is worth billions, with the breeding operations being one of the key areas in the sector. 

The sport continues to thrive in this modern day, with major events such as the Triple Crown in the United States being popular times for newcomers to claim the welcome bonus found here: twinspires.com/200-signup/ 

With a booming market, the sport has constantly evolved throughout generations, with racing looking completely different to how it did 100 years ago in this modern day. 

One of the most notable developments has been the importance place in technology, with almost every major yard around the world now taking advantage of wearables and AI to make better decisions with the safety of their equine in mind. But, how do these forms of tech help to safeguard horses?

Biometric and In-Race Data

Data is crucial in racing, with the metrics able to tell those connected with a horse everything that they need to know about their runner. Data collection is crucial to monitoring equines wellbeing, and this can be achieved via devices such as StrideSAFE and Equimetre ECG. 

Both of these wearables will be attached to a horse’s saddlecloth, and it will pick up key metrics such as heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and respiratory rates. All of these metrics will be key to consider for a trainer and jockey, especially after a high-speed workout or challenging race. 

For the latter, the tech has been introduced in British horse racing on a BHA Pilot program, giving trainers a better understanding of what is happening with their horse while in competition. It also offers a level of transparency across the board, with the metrics being available to everyone involved in the sport. 

Stride Analytics 

Stride patterns are incredibly important to consider in racing, as this could impact the horse and their wellbeing. Longer strides could indicate that a runner is masking a potential injury, while information and metrics surrounding the stride patterns could pinpoint runners that are performing below their standard. 

AI can track how a horse moves, analysing its pattern and comparing it to many data points per stride. The technology is capable of picking up potential signs surrounding the fitness of a horse, finding potential early signs of musculoskeletal stress and an underlying fracture. 

Picking up these potential issues as early as possible is crucial in the sport, as it will give owners a quick opportunity to get a horse the care that it requires to ease the pain. Allowing these issues to build up will rest in a negative life experience for a horse, and longer-term issues could arise. 

Smart Stables

Thoroughbreds are high-performance athletes, meaning that they will get care around the clock. However, major issues can still impact the lifecycle. Therefore, smart stables are an accurate way to keep tabs on horses within the care of a trainer around the clock. 

The AI-connected cameras are placed in stalls and will constantly monitor daily routines. This includes capturing resting and sleeping patterns and how much a horse is eating. Having this oversight will give trainers the peace of mind, and can also enable them to act quickly if something seems to be amiss. 

Having smart stable technology is crucial, as it can help pick up early signs of colic, which could be potentially life-threatening if it isn’t treated quickly. Identifying potentially major issues as quickly as possible will ensure that horses are made to feel as safe as possible. 

Positive Impact on Racing Industry

The introduction of various forms of technology has had a profound impact on the racing industry. One of the most important factors has enabled the sport to become safer for the stars involved, with the risk of injury dropping to record lows. 

Having the ability to prevent injuries within thoroughbreds makes the sport a safer place, with AI tech able to pick up potential lingering issues before they become more serious. This allows vets to step in and treat the equines before minor setbacks become yearlong injuries. 

Racing is constantly working to evolve, and this has been echoed by the pilot programs that have been implemented by the BHA with wearable pieces of tech being worn by horses in races. This gives vets an accurate reading of a horses’ heart rate and blood oxygen levels at all time, making it easier than ever to pinpoint an issue. 

AI is also vitally important to condition a horse to ensure that it is at its optimal level, indicating those that are working too hard, and those that could be under their desired fitness levels before a big racing target on the calendar.