Horse racing is one of the oldest sports in the world, but it’s quickly becoming one of the smartest too. Thanks to modern technology, the sport is going through a digital transformation that’s helping trainers, jockeys, and even fans understand horses better than ever before.
GPS Tracking: Know Every Step
Today, many racehorses wear small, lightweight GPS tracking devices during training. These tools collect detailed information like:
• How fast a horse runs
• How far it travels
• Its heart rate and breathing
• The length and rhythm of its stride
Big Data: Smarter Racing
All the GPS information collected doesn’t just sit on a screen — it’s turned into data analytics. Specialized software crunches numbers to reveal:
• Trends in a horse’s performance over time
• How a horse compares with others
• Whether a horse is better suited for short sprints or long-distance races
Drones: A New View of the Race
If you’ve ever watched a horse race from above, chances are a drone was involved.
Drones give a bird’s-eye view of the race, allowing:
• Referees to make better decisions in close finishes
• Trainers to study the horse’s position and pacing
• Fans to enjoy more thrilling, cinematic coverage
The Future: Smart Stables & Wearables
The tech doesn’t stop on the track. In high-end racing stables, horses may also wear smart collars or leg sensors that track health and movement around the clock. There are even “smart saddles” being developed to monitor a jockey’s posture and balance.