ENGLISH TEXTS would not have been as exciting . It all came down to the wire , with Maxime Guyon finally prevailing by three wins , but both jockeys animated the race to the very end . Then , it was in this context that “ Barza “ announced his departure from the Godolphin stable to join that of the Aga Khan in 2025 . At first glance , his choice may have seemed surprising : with Sheikh Mohammed al Maktoum ’ s almighty venture , under the main training of André Fabre , he was assured of riding a large number of winners each season . However , the difference is not so clear-cut . In 2024 in France , Godolphin and its 63 wins are only six wins ahead of the Aga Khan ’ s stable , and the difference in prize money is € 850,000 in favour of the latter . On the other hand , if , under the impetus of Zahra Aga Khan , the family ’ s racing activity will undoubtedly be stronger in France than in Ireland and Great Britain in the long term , it is clear that today , at Godolphin , the best horses are destined primarily for Charlie Appleby in England and therefore entrusted to William Buick . Mickaël Barzalona ’ s calculation makes perfect sense , all things considered . Another event highlighted the Frenchman ’ s qualities : his resounding victory in the International Jockeys ’ Challenge , which he won on December 4
Sergeant Pepper , a 7-year-old who knows the ropes and who had drawn stall 8 . Then he finished 2
at 21 / 1 with Forever Glorious , with stall 9 , after a ride that will no doubt be included in the lessons at the Hong Kong apprentice school . During the break , to keep himself warm , he took a 3
rdplace at 10 / 1 before failing with the best chance in his IJC book , who had a poor start from the stalls ( a “ big no no “ on the Happy Valley merry-go-round ), to finally win again , at 6.80 , on Aurora Lady - who had a chance on paper but was starting from stall 12 , completely on the outside . By alle of the Hongkongers had become Barzalona ’ s followers , no matter what .
� PAGE 26Nothing could stop him He was on fire that night . You ’ d have followed him to hell . Nothing could stop him . It was an absolute joy to see him weave through the field to reach the post at full speed . A real video game ! It reminded us of that now famous image , which all Englishmen hate - or love , it ’ s a bit like Napoleon - of a 19-year-old Barza standing in his irons at the finish of the 2011 Epsom Derby on Pour Moi , won by just a head . It wasn ’ t the Derby winner of the century , or even of the decade , but the image is iconic . And on that December 4
DATA : A REVOLUTION GALLOPING INTO STABLES Data analysis , once the exclusive tool of engineers and sports analysts , is now infiltrating racetracks . Like the legendary story of the Oakland Athletics and the Moneyball phenomenon , data has become an indispensable weapon to maximize performance and reduce risks . Racehorses , true elite athletes , now benefit from advanced technologies that measure heart rate , stride power , and speed with unprecedented accuracy . Trainers , often guided by experience and instinct , now have a new compass : data . This science allows them to
th thunder the Hong Kong spotlights , Barza was still 19 years old .
at Happy Valley racecourse in Hong Kong . These challenges are sometimes biased because the allocation of the rides can be decisive , but the one in Hong Kong is designed to minimise this influence by distributing the runners in a balanced way . Moreover , Mickaël Barzalona ’ s individual odds to win the challenge this year were initially 33 / 1 ... He wasn ’ t given anything . That evening , even before the challenge began , he won with Good View Glory at 13 / 1 . Then he won the first leg of the contest at 38 / 1 with
ENGLISH TEXTS
For veterinarians : Data facilitates injury prevention and management , enabling earlier and more effective interventions . Every stakeholder finds in data a lever for progress , contributing to a more efficient , sustainable , and horse-centric equine industry .
personalize training programs , prevent injuries , and fully harness each horse ’ s potential . Gone are the days of guesswork — it ’ s all about results .
Locomotion Every stride and movement is analyzed to detect anomalies invisible to the naked eye . Addressing these imbalances in time can prevent serious injuries and ensure longer , more fulfilling careers for horses .
OBJECTIVITY AND PERFORMANCE : AN UNSTOPPABLE REVOLUTION For years , horse training relied on subjective observations : “ He worked well ,” or “ He seems in good shape .” While genuine , these impressions lacked precision . With data , trainers finally have concrete , measurable , and comparable insights . Every decision , from tweaking a training program to preparing for competition , is backed by numbers . Data eliminates uncertainty , turning every session into an opportunity for progress . Crucially , it prioritizes the horse ’ s well-being , as a healthy horse performs better and for longer .
THE AUSTRALIAN EXAMPLE : WHERE SCIENCE MEETS PASSION In Australia , Ciaron Maher embodies this new era . Leading a massive stable with over 600 horses across seven sites , he has made data a cornerstone of his strategy . His specialized department , consisting of data scientists and performance analysts , meticulously examines every parameter : speed , splits , stride biomechanics , recovery , and more . The result ? Over 50 million Australian dollars in earnings last season . This remarkable success proves that science and passion can work hand in hand to push the limits of excellence .
CONCLUSION : A PROMISE FOR THE FUTURE The integration of data into racehorse training is no passing trend — it ’ s a revolution rewriting the rules of the game . Pioneers like Ciaron Maher are leading the way , and it ’ s clear that within a few years , these tools will become indispensable for all major players in the field . In the future , there will be connected trainers and others — the “ connected “ will hold the advantage . The future of horse racing is now being written in numbers . Every piece of data , every analysis , opens a window to previously unattainable performances . Yet amidst this quest for progress , one thing remains unchanged : the passion for these extraordinary athletes and the respect for their well-being . Science has taken the reins , leading the equestrian industry toward a future as promising as it is exciting .
A REVOLUTION FOR ALL INDUSTRY STAKEHOLDERS The impact of this revolution extends far beyond trainers . Every player in the equine industry benefits from the advancements data brings :
THREE PILLARS OF A SCIENTIFIC APPROACH Data-driven training is built on three essential foundations :
Work Intensity With data on speed , distance covered , and exercise duration , each session can be precisely calibrated . Horses train just enough to progress without the risks of overexertion or underutilization .
For trainers : Data offers precise tools to refine workloads and maximize performance while minimizing risks — a major competitive advantage in a detaildriven sector .
“ FOR YEARS , TRAINING RELIED ON SUBJECTIVE OBSERVATIONS . “
Bruno Barbereau
Heart Rate and Recovery A horse ’ s heart tells the full story . Quick recovery indicates excellent physical condition , while abnormal rhythms signal potential risks . This information enables trainers to adjust routines or intervene before issues arise .
For owners : It ensures rigorous monitoring of horses ’ health and progress , securing their investment and enhancing profitability .
PAGE 28 Blur during a race at Chantilly . © APRH PAGE 29 Comparison between different types of recoveryFor breeders : Biomechanical analyses help select the best breeding stock and refine genetics for a new generation of champions .
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