Artificial intelligence is being used across almost every sector around the world in this modern day, and that is no different when it comes to horse racing.
The sport revolves around the numbers and stats, meaning it has already proven to be an interesting tool for those that want to bet on the latest action.
It has already gained favourable results for correctly predicting exactas and trifectas in some of the world’s best races, including the Kentucky Derby and Breeders’ Cup.
However, the importance of AI within the sport far outweighs the perks that come for betting purposes. At the heart of the sport remains animal welfare, meaning that constant changes are being implemented to ensure that fatalities are kept to a low standard.
But, how is AI being used to aide the work that racecourses do behind the scenes and what could the future of horse racing tournaments by TwinSpires.com look like with the tech at the forefront?
First Of Its Kind Deal Announced
One of the biggest developments between AI and horse racing was announced at the end of last year, as it was revealed that the Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Authority had partnered with Palantir Technologies.
The tech firm specialises in creating data-driven AI tools to held identify horses that are potentially at risk of injury before competing in a given race. This tech can also generate a report for every race track across the world, taking into account conditions before making a judgement call surrounding a horses potentially suitability to the ground that the race is being run on.
As well as aiding trainers with where the point some of their stable stars, it will also be vitally important information for track bosses, who can opt whether to water the ground or maintain the conditions that they have to ensure that all horses are safe when competing at their track.
The data is still in its infancy stage, but it will have a vitally important impact going forward when it comes to ranking and assessing the best tracks in the world.
User Experience
Technology is always revolutionising how we attend and get into live events, and that will continue with the added adaption of AI in the future. The technology is already at the forefront when it comes to ticking systems for the biggest events on the schedule, and it would only seem a matter of time before that is rolled out into the world of horse racing.
AI is also set to have increased role in betting on this front, as the tech is quickly able to assess the gambling habits of those that make wagers online, and quickly identify those that could be at risk.
This tool could help reduce the risk of a bettor losing more than they were hoping for, while also taking the power out of the gamblers hands when it comes to chasing losses after a bad day at the track. Both of which will have its negatives with those that like to bet, but it will help keep people safer online.
AI Data Driving Racecourse Changes
AI is at the heart of some of the biggest changes that have been made in the world of horse racing in recent years, as course bosses have examined the data that could reduce the fatalities and injuries to the horses involved.
One of the biggest streams of changes were made in one of the world’s most famous races- the Grand National. In truth, the changes for the 2024 edition weren’t all warmly welcomed by fans, but the days of the old cavalry charge to the first fence in the four-mile race are certainly a thing of the past with all eyes now on how to capture the mainstream attention in a brighter light.
AI Driven Grand National Changes
A notable change included the reduction of runners from 40 to 34, marking the first time since 1984 that the field size was adjusted. However, the data indicating that there will be fewer risks of fallers and injuries with a smaller field.
An important change also saw the distance to the first fence reduced by 60 yards, which ensures that the runners involved aren’t running too quickly before leaving the ground for the first time.
Data may not have been required when it came to the decision to move the start time, as an earlier start means that there is less risk of fences being taken out or a runner being blinded by the sun.
Data did play a role in some of the fences being adjusted, with the eleventh fence reduces by two inches to ensure that it doesn’t take horses by surprise. Meanwhile, the data and veterinary advice was taken into account when it comes to the horses able to compete in the Grand National, as runners must now carry an official rating of at least 125.