Horse racing is one of the most-followed sports across the world, with millions wagered on the action daily. Popularity levels surrounding the sport peak around the major events on the calendar, most notably the Kentucky Derby, which forms the opening leg of the Triple Crown at the start of May.
Betting on the sport is incredibly popular, and you can find leading plays for the action throughout the season here: http://twinspires.com/edge/racing/wagering/best-bets/
There have been a number of technological advancements that have helped ensure safety and fairness within the sport, and you can learn more about some of the most transformative below.
Photo Finish
One of the best technological advancements to ensure fairness in horse racing was invented in 1980 by John Charles Hemment, before it was fine-tuned in 1937 when Lorenzo Del Riccio’s camera to perfectly capture moving objects was introduced at Del Mar.
The transformative camera ensured that there were no longer questions revolving around the race results, as the camera was able to perfectly capture the horse that had its nose in front at the line.
More high-quality cameras are used in this modern day, but the transformative approach taken at Del Mar in the 1930s remains the blueprint that has been followed.
Data Analytics
Horse racing is a sport that relies on data to a huge degree, with the stats and numbers behind horses performances being as important as their finishing position. Wearable pieces of tech are now prominent in racing, as trainers can easily get a better understanding of how their horse is feeling.
This includes being able to track the heart rate and blood pressures of the animals within their care. It helps to identify horses that are being overworked in training, or finding equines that are working below their best.
Sensors and GPS tracking have been a hugely positive advancement within the sport, as it easily ensures that trainers are able to safeguard the runners in their care. It also helps to identify any lingering problems that may be clear from the naked eye, meaning that horses are able to quickly get the special care that they need if lame or injured.
Improved Track Safety
Horse welfare is always at the forefront of the sport, as it continues to gain traction from new eyes. Therefore, ensuring that racing is as safe as possible is hugely important to avoid negative headlines.
Technology helps in this regard, as it is able to make case studies of tracks from across the world, identifying problem areas and steps that can be taken to avoid further risks being taken. This has seen notable changes to some of the world’s most famous races.
Among those include the Grand National, which is now cut to 34 starters, as well as the first fence being located nearer to the starting line to ensure that horses aren’t travelling too fast before leaving the ground for the first time. The changes have already had a positive impact, with no fatalities recorded after Nick Rockett’s win in the race in 2025.
Enhanced Customer Experience
Giving those that pass through the gates at the racecourse the best experience is key to the long-term success of racing. Therefore, it is little surprise that all of the leading tracks across the world now boast massive LED screens in the middle of the course to televise the action on track.
This ensures that all viewers in attendance are able to keep tabs on their runner, avoiding the risk that they will miss the opportunity to call home their winner. Not only is the screen able to show the racing action, but it is also able to keep viewers up to date with the latest betting and jockey information.
Meanwhile, it is also a unique way to build atmosphere at the racecourse, as everyone in attendance will be able to count down before the start of a race.
Breeding
Technology is also playing its part in the future of horse racing, as Artificial Intelligence is being regularly used to make decisions when it comes to breeding. AI’s ability to take in huge amounts of data and give knowledgeable results is hugely important when it comes to helping to develop the next champion thoroughbred.
The tech is able to analyse pedigree to indicate which stallion and mares will be best matched, while it also provides a predictive modelling system, which could shown an owner how a foal may perform on track.
AI is also excellent for reducing risks when it comes to breeding, as it is able to minimalize the risk of illness spreading between horses, while also removing the chance of inter-breeding taking place, which could result in unhealthy foals being born. Nowadays, AI is a regular tool used by many leading owners to ensure that they make more informed decisions at this stage of a racing journey.
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