Horse racing is a sport that is deeply rooted in cultures all around the world. It has been enjoyed for centuries at a regulated level, with a clear set of rules that have been tweaked over time to help develop the sport for the greater.
Another recent change that enhanced the overall product of horse racing is the implementation of technology. This has affected both the events themselves and how data is captured, as well as improved sub-industries of the sport such as racing syndicates.
The internet has changed fans’ relationship with horse racing
The internet is a relatively recent development in the history of horse racing which has significantly changed the way that many fans interact with the sport. For example, racing syndicates were once small close-knit groups who pooled their funds together to each obtain racehorse ownership in the form of small shares.
Now, through sites such as RaceShare, racehorse ownership has become accessible right across the UK. Where syndicates historically featured a handful of people in a local community who were fans of horse racing, the internet has allowed the replication of this on a larger scale. This has allowed fans to obtain shares in a higher standard of horses and has most importantly made horse ownership easily accessible to all kinds of people.
The constant evolution of the internet and mobile apps has also contributed to the growth of sports betting. This has directly affected horse racing as bets can now be placed on almost any level of race from locations all over the globe.
Before the days of the internet and the abundance of mobile apps available today, only in-person spectators could place bets on races, and the markets were limited, with mostly only direct winner betting being available.
Live streaming is another key feature of the internet’s impact on sports. Fans can now follow live-action events all over the world. Ultimately, the internet has made the process of following races incredibly easy. Fans no longer have to stumble across a local group of fellow enthusiasts to collaborate as part of a syndicate, nor do they need to attend a race in person to place a bet.
Technology used in modern horse racing
The most significant technological introduction into horse racing in the 21st century involved GPS systems being attached to horses. This enables real-time tracking of each contender in a race, which can constantly monitor the placement of each horse and determine the winner instantly in close finishes.
This form of technology also aids sports betting, as apps and sites can use real-time location tracking to update their odds and provide race results as quickly as possible.
Some of the GPS systems used are so precise that they can accurately monitor a horse’s speed and stride length. This can aid expert analysis on television broadcasts for the viewers at home, and it can also help jockeys and trainers identify weaknesses in which their horses could improve.
Like with almost every industry it affects, technology has greatly improved the integrity and enjoyment of horse racing for all involved. From accessibility to accuracy, horse racing has come on leaps and bounds thanks to the evolution of the internet and technology in the modern world.
