The integration of big data analytics in horse racing is transforming the sport by enhancing the decision-making processes for jockeys, trainers, and betting agencies. However, there still seems to be an incredibly slow adoption of this data, especially when focusing on racing in the UK & Ireland. The sport in this region is increasingly falling behind our global peers with both the US, France & Hong Kong as clear examples of where data can bring benefit to all stakeholders. EquiAnalytix, amongst others in the industry, are pushing the boundaries for change and moving the sport into the “New Age”.
Data Utilisation in Horse Racing:
- Race Outcome Prediction: By examining historical data on horses and riders, predictors can gain insights into factors that contribute to a horse’s performance, offering a competitive edge. With the world increasingly focussed on Artificial Intelligence (AI), the ability to utilise this historic data is becoming easier and easier. EquiAnalytix is leading in this sphere, offering cutting-edge insights from our ratings that are backed by our AI-generated models.
- Training Improvements: Leading firms are now providing insights to trainers directly from the gallops, allowing a better understanding of the ability of their horses. This information is becoming a bigger and bigger part of training methods, and is increasingly being demanded by racehorse owners. At EquiAnalytix, we are working directly with trainers to help them better understand this data, breaking ti down and finding key insights to better their race planning.
- Breeding: Arguably this is where data analytics has been successfully used within our sport of horse racing. With deep records tracking pedigrees over multiple generations, there is an incredible amount of data to be analysed. Where EquiAnalytix approaches this is by using our proven ratings as the key performance indicator, allowing us to then identify certain patterns over multiple generations to predict a horse’s future ability. This is not only proving insightful on the course, but also for owners looking to purchase yearlings.
With horse racing stuck in its ways, what is EquiAnalytix doing to revolutionise the sport?
EquiAnalytix Dashboard:
Our Dashboard empowers users with real-time data, historical insights and predictive analytics. Over 36yrs of data has been collected across both the UK and Ireland, allowing us to manage one of the most comprehensive databases in the country. With all this data, it’s allowed for the use of cutting-edge AI algorithms to understand better the intricacies of horse racing.
With hundreds of variables ultimately impacting the performance of a racehorse on the track, with even more factors influencing that horse’s future ability, our Dashboard simplifies this for our members. At the click of a button, you can better analyse recent performances, stable form and breeding all in one simplified dashboard.
EquiAnalytix Breeding Data:
With so much focus on unearthing future talent, breeding continues to dominate the sport of horse racing. Here at EquiAnalytix we utilise the 36yrs of data we’ve collated to better understand the relationship between pedigree and future ability. This information is not only incredibly valuable to someone analysing a race, but is also key knowledge for owners and trainers looking to purchase new horses. Our data is packaged in such a way as to make these decisions simpler and effective.
Where do we go from here?
Data collection technologies are considered the new frontier in horse racing, enabling more accurate predictions and personalised training programs. Betting companies, for example, collect thousands of data points per second on each horse, improving the accuracy of their predictions. Teams can also use data to customise training, adjust dietary needs, and prevent injuries, with wearables and drones playing significant roles in these advancements. This information is already becoming available and it will be those that move and adopt it first, that will see the greatest benefits to performance. Here at EquiAnalytix we thrive on being ahead of the game and continue to drive deeper analytics in this sport.
The adoption of big data analytics in horse racing exemplifies how technology can enhance traditional sports by improving animal welfare, optimising performance, and providing all stakeholders with a more immersive experience.