Horse Racing: Technology is Transforming the Sport of Kings

The global horse racing industry has undergone a remarkable transformation since the turn of the century, with technological advancements redefining how fans engage with the sport.
Technology’s influence has been so great that leading racing jurisdictions such as the United States, United Kingdom and Australia are no longer separated by their geographical locations.

The Rise of Live Streaming & Betting

The increased prevalence of sophisticated live streaming platforms has helped the horse racing industry become globally connected like never before.
Horse racing fans are not restricted by geographical boundaries, a point evidenced by the sizeable global audience which tuned in to watch the Breeders’ Cup World Championships and Melbourne Cup in November.

This factor works in reverse, with many horse racing fans in the US and Australia tuning in to watch top UK events such as Royal Ascot and the Grand National.

Increased accessibility to live content has been a game-changer for the betting industry, with sportsbooks now able to take a global approach to their coverage.

Many betting operators embed live streams directly into their wagering platforms, allowing punters to follow the progress of their bets in real-time.

Most Australian horse racing betting sites have live streaming features embedded on their platforms, and it is a similar story in the other major jurisdictions worldwide.
Technologies such as WebRTC and 5G have improved streaming quality while reducing buffering, allowing punters to seamlessly keep track of their bets.

Interactive Features for Fan Engagement

Streaming platforms have been adding other new features to improve fan engagement. Viewers can personalise their experience by picking specific horses or jockeys to follow during a race.
There are cameras with multiple angles and drone views to give fans different perspectives. These include watching the race from the jockey’s perspective.

Fans can also engage with like-minded individuals through chat functionality and social media integration. This helps to create a community around horse racing events.

These tech-savvy features help attract younger people who want immersive experiences.

According to PwC, over 40 percent of sports fans believe interactive features improve their viewing experience.

Streaming platforms have transformed what was previously a solitary activity into a communal one, encouraging the racing ecosystem to interact during races.

More exciting technologies such as virtual reality (AR) and augmented reality (VR) are coming, allowing fans to enjoy even more immersive experiences.

With AR and VR, fans can wander through the paddock or experience the sport from the jockey’s perspective, effectively participating in the races.

Experts have forecast that the global AI and VR market could reach $10 billion by 2027.
Platforms such as HBO Max and Discovery+ are leading the charge to embrace these technologies, and will set new standards for how fans engage with horse racing.

Technology Supports Equine Safety

Horsemen have been understandably wary of technology in the horse racing sector, but some tools are now being used to improve horse healthcare.
The health of racehorses has been an issue for the global racing industry for many years, but technology is providing extremely useful solutions.

The innovative StrideSAFE sensor device has made racing safer for individual horses and the overall population. The system measures multiple planes of movement of a horse and then detects changes in that pattern.

Initially created by Dr David Lambert in 2005 to predict performance in horses he trained, the device is now used in numerous major racing jurisdictions worldwide.

Lambert took things to another level in 2019 when he teamed up with Australian company StrideMASTER. Their collaborative efforts have created a more sophisticated product.

He claims that the sensor can identify around 85 percent of fractures before they happen, thus boosting safety protocols across the global horse racing industry.