Horse racing isn’t the first sport that comes to mind when we talk about technology, right? However, horse racing enthusiasts would agree that the sport has changed quite a lot in the past, and technology is mainly responsible for this.
To be honest, this technological boom in horse racing is very much needed for a couple of reasons. First of all, horse racing is a sport that has been losing its popularity over the last couple of years, mainly because of a lack of interest in new generations that are not really familiar with horse racing culture.
But if we infuse horse racing with technology and make it more Gen-Z friendly, maybe young adults will consider watching horse racing events.
Additionally, technology can make the sport safer for both horses and jockeys, more manageable, and this is also a great path for the sport since it has been labeled as unethical many times.
The good thing is that the change is already happening, and over the last few years, we’ve seen many new tech advancements that have reshaped the horse racing world.
Let’s find out more.
Wearables That Track Every Stride
First and foremost, let’s focus on safety in the sport. Nowadays, there are plenty of new and quite revolutionary trackers that have unlocked new possibilities in the sport. These trackers are worn by jockeys and strapped to horses, and they can get real-time data like heart rate, speed, stride length, and more.
They are often powered by GPS and sensors, which is a data goldmine for trainers. So, basically, they are not only making the sport safer, but they are also very helpful for trainers, and even for us bettors, where we can browse the horse’s speed in real time before we place bets in horse racing.
Plus, some of these sensors are very high-tech, and they can track the horse’s movement and even predict future injuries based on this report, thanks to AI.
Artificial Intelligence
Since we mentioned AI, let’s talk more about it since it is the hottest topic for a couple of years now. Just like many other industries, the horse racing industry has also been hit by this artificial intelligence boom.
Since horse racing is a sport that relies on data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning can be very helpful and take out much of the guesswork from the sport.
Trainers are using AI tools to decide which races suit their horses best, like whether a colt’s better at a six-furlong sprint or a mile-and-a-half grind.
For fans, AI-powered apps make betting feel like playing a strategy game, not just crossing your fingers. It’s not foolproof—horses aren’t robots—but it’s tilting the odds in favor of the data-savvy.
Virtual Reality for Jockeys
Jockeys have always trained by riding real horses, but virtual reality (VR) is shaking things up. Let’s say that a jockey straps on a VR headset, hops onto a motion simulator, and “rides” a digital race on a track halfway across the world. Training has never been easier than this.
This tech isn’t just a fancy video game. It helps jockeys hone their timing, test different racing lines, and even simulate high-pressure scenarios, like squeezing through a tight pack. For younger riders, it’s a safe way to log “saddle time” without risking a fall. And let’s be honest—it’s probably a blast to VR-race a horse while your buddies cheer you on from the couch.
Drones and Cameras
Ever wonder what a race looks like from the horse’s point of view? Drones and high-tech cameras are giving fans and trainers angles that were impossible a decade ago. Drones buzz above the track, capturing every angle of a race in crisp 4K, while tiny cameras mounted on jockeys or saddles offer a heart-pounding, hooves-on-the-ground perspective.
For trainers, this footage is a game-changer. They can analyze a horse’s form—say, if it’s leaning too hard into turns—or spot a jockey’s split-second mistake. For fans, it’s pure entertainment, turning a race into an immersive thrill ride.
Genomics (Breeding)
Breeding racehorses used to be a mix of tradition and hope, like baking a cake with your grandma’s recipe. Now, genomics is bringing Silicon Valley precision to the stud farm. Companies like EquiSeq are sequencing horse DNA to identify genes linked to speed, stamina, or injury resistance.
Want a foal with a shot at the Kentucky Derby? Genetic testing can help pick the perfect sire and dam.
This isn’t about cloning superhorses (yet), but it’s giving breeders a cheat sheet. For example, the “speed gene” (MSTN) can show if a horse is wired for sprints or longer races.
Trainers are also using genomic data to tailor diets or spot horses at risk for issues like tendon injuries. It’s high-tech matchmaking, and it’s producing horses that are faster and tougher than ever.
Blockchain and Betting
Betting has always been the lifeblood of racing, but it’s had its share of shady moments. Blockchain tech, straight out of the crypto world, is here to clean things up. Platforms like ZED RUN are using blockchain to create transparent, tamper-proof betting systems. Every wager is recorded on a digital ledger, so there’s no funny business with payouts or odds.
Blockchain’s also powering “digital horse racing,” where you can own, breed, and race virtual horses as NFTs (non-fungible tokens). It sounds like a sci-fi fever dream, but it’s pulling in younger fans who grew up on Fortnite, not racetracks.
So, it seems like technology is changing how we bet, how we see the sport, and how people involved manage safety and other operations. Technology is designed to make the sport better, so let’s hope that horse racing doesn’t lose its charm due to modern technology.