There are few more popular sports across the globe than horse racing. The sport dates back generations, with some of the world’s most famous races outliving generations of humans.
Therefore, it is little surprise that the sport has been forced to move with the times, and that has never been more apparent as it is in this modern day. Nowadays, horse racing is a sport that is focused around stats and times, with the best horses being easily viewable based on the metrics available.
All of these trends could make for important reading before taking advantage of them and making wagers on the upcoming Breeders’ Cup here: https://www.twinspires.com/offers/.
But, what have been some of the technological advancements that have had a profound impact on the sport, as we know it in this modern day?
Data Analysis
Horse racing is a sport that relies on those involved having the most accurate data available. Therefore, analytics have been a vitally important technological advancement within the sport.
This enables bettors, trainers, and owners to get a betting understanding of a race and their potential runner’s chances. Real-time data trackers have been a ground-breaking introduction, as these are able to track the live heart races and speed of an equine.
This could help trainers to pinpoint areas of weakness of their runner, while it can also be informative for jockeys, who can make tactical decisions based on the data that is found. Meanwhile, this form of technology also has a key part to play when it comes to animal welfare, as the data could indicate a potential issue with a horse that may not be visible from the naked eye.
Drones
For the vast majority of racing fans, the best technological advances have offered better streaming services to watching the action on the track. Offering a unique viewing experience has been the target for all broadcasters, as their job is to make those at home feel as though they are in attendance for the biggest race days.
One of the most unique changes that have been implemented at race tracks across the world has been the use of drones. Drones will fly above the field during racing on the track, offering a fresh insight to the viewer when it comes to the tactical battles that are playing out on track.
It could be argued that the birds-eye view of the field also ensures that bettors and viewers can get a better understanding of how their runner is travelling compared to the side-view camera, which typically is only able to capture the runners that are stand side of the track.
The application of drones has been excellent in racing, and it is now common place in all racing, as visible to a record-breaking audience that tuned into the Kentucky Derby in 2025.
Futuristic Racecourses
Attracting newcomers to the sport has always been the biggest task posed of horse racing, as the traditional racing fans has typically been aged 50 and over. However, this has changed in the modern day due to a number of reasons, including the offering of live music after racing.
This has seen major names, such as Tom Jones headlining a night at Newmarket racecourse. However, courses have also continued to develop, ensuring that they offer everything a modern arena should to a visitor. Smart stadiums have been a common trend across all sports, and racing is no different.
The vast majority of racecourses across the world no offer complimentary WiFi to those passing through the gates, while those that aren’t able to get close enough to the track can watch the live action on giant LED screens.
These LED screens are the go-to for most racing fans throughout an afternoon at the track, as they will show live odds for the upcoming races, as well as having exclusive interviews with trainers.
Photo Finishes
There is nothing more exciting in racing than a photo finish being required to determine the winner. Close finishes have been evident during recent racing history, with Mystik Dan winning the 2024 Kentucky Derby is the closest finish to the opening leg of the Triple Crown since 1996.
Therefore, the need for advanced technology for photo finish has been required. Nowadays, HD cameras are able to capture the finishing moments of the race, with photographs taken 2,000 times a second as the horses pass through the finishing line.
Getting the most accurate picture hasn’t always been as straightforward as it is in the modern day. Photo finishes were first introduced to horse racing in the 1930s, but they didn’t provide the sufficient resolution to make informed decisions.
That is no longer the case in this modern day, as a decision regarding a winner can be made just seconds after the photo has been taken, leading to more accurate results and transparency within the sport.