ENGLISH TEXTS
personalize training programs , prevent injuries , and fully harness each horse ’ s potential . Gone are the days of guesswork — it ’ s all about results .
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 .
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 .
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 .
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 .
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 :
For trainers : Data offers precise tools to refine workloads and maximize performance while minimizing risks — a major competitive advantage in a detaildriven sector .
For owners : It ensures rigorous monitoring of horses ’ health and progress , securing their investment and enhancing profitability .
For breeders : Biomechanical analyses help select the best breeding stock and refine genetics for a new generation of champions .
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 .
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 .
“ FOR YEARS , TRAINING RELIED ON SUBJECTIVE OBSERVATIONS . “
Bruno Barbereau
PAGE 28 Blur during a race at Chantilly . © APRH
PAGE 29 Comparison between different types of recovery
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