Horse racing is one of the oldest sports across the world, with action on track dating back hundreds of years. It is a sign of its longevity that it remains one of the most popular in the United Kingdom, with only football seeing higher attendances than racing.
A reason that racing has been able to pass the test of time is due to the continued advancements that have been made in technology, with the sport quickly finding uses with the tech to offer a greater service to all of those that are involved.
This only looks set to continue over the coming generations, as racing has only gained in terms of popularity in recent years following the advancement in online gambling, which has enhanced the understanding of the sport in the younger demographic.
But, what are some of the key ways in which technology has evolved in UK racing?
Improved Safety
At the heart of every decision made within horse racing is equine welfare. Therefore, it is little surprise that technology has had a direct impact on the lives that racehorses are able to enjoy.
Racecourses work proactivity using technology to ensure that their courses are fit for purpose and minimise the risk of fatal injuries. This has seen the number of fatalities reach record lows, with stats now showing that there is a fatality in just one in every 2,000 racecourse starts on the flat.
The most radical changes to improve horse welfare in terms of races being adjudged were made for the Grand National in 2024. The much-loved race changed the number of starters to 34 from 40, with the first fence now also 60 yards closer to ensure that horses aren’t travelling too quickly by the time that they get to the obstacle.
Meanwhile, the fences are now made of softer foam and rubber toe boards to ensure that there is more give should a horse hit one of the fences.
Medical Care
Medical care has improved considering within the world of horse racing in the United Kingdom, meaning that owners and trainers can treat injuries that were once deemed to be career-ending.
MRIs are extremely common within racing in this modern day, and they are quickly able to detect any issues with horses that have been acting unusually. Following this, plans can be put together in order to get the horses back to full fitness.
Another form of MRI that is evident in racing nowadays is the thermal imaging camera. This ensures that medical professionals are able to consistently monitor the temperatures of horses to ensure that they aren’t over-working in training or during races.
These can quickly pick up any lingering issues with horses, and it can help identify a trainer or owner to cool down their horse to a normal level. Keeping tabs on the temperature of horses is vitally important for those closest to them, as it ensures that they remain healthy, while also reducing the risk of injury.
Data Collection
Horse racing is a sport that relies heavily on data, whether it be the speed in which runners travel in competition, or the fitness levels that trainers are tracking while out on the gallops.
However, the advanced technology on offer now means that it is easier than ever for trainer to collect data, while storing it has also become stress-free.
Keeping tabs on the data for all horses within their care can help pinpoint whether a runner is underperforming and assessing whether something amiss is impacting their performance. This can help the accuracy on betting guides such as this one: twinspires.com/betting-guides/what-do-horse-racing-odds-mean/
Once again, this is another form of technology that has a direct impact on the welfare of the stars of the sport. Data collection can also be used by jockeys, as they can be educational in terms of weak points.
The data could pinpoint periods of the race that jockeys have underperformed, and this can then be worked on to ensure that the same mistakes don’t happen again.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence is being used across all elite sports in this modern day, and the same can be said of horse racing.
AI has become a vital tool for trainers to make smarter decisions when it comes to runners within their care. It is able to dissect a lot of information surrounding horses, before pointing out the most logical races and tracks that could suit a runner’s style.
This often rules out the risk of human error when it comes to horse placement, and ensures that runner’s aren’t competing over inadequate distances, which may not suit. AI also has the ability to take ground conditions into account, which makes it a useful tool as to when to run the horse throughout the season.
The tech is also being readily used outside of stables, with a growing number of bettors using the data to help make more informed selections on races across the world.
