“Bring the Numbers Down Farther”: After Multiple Equine Fatalities This Year, Emerging Tech Company Steps In for the Future of Horse Racing

Although horse racing is a passionate game filled with adrenaline rush and has a rich history, the sport brings uncertainty to it as well. The equestrian arena has become unsafe for not only humans but horses as well. Since this year, there have been many equestrian fatalities. A total of 12 horses died during this year’s Triple Crown races, with which eight deaths occurred during the week of the Kentucky Derby. In the wake of this, the Triple Crown became a subject of several conjectures and fans are calling for a potential solution to rectify the issue.

But what if there is a technology that can predict and prevent such fatalities? Stride Safe is a company started in 2019 that is working to prevent such accidents by using performance prediction technology. Last month in Churchill Downs during the Kentucky Derby, a few of the horses were also wearing the technology, and it was able to predict the abnormalities, but unfortunately the sensors were attached too late.

A technological reinforcement in the world of equestrian sports

In the month of May, Churchill Downs saw numerous fatalities. According to reports, around 12 equine fatalities occurred on the tracks, and the authorities can’t find any direct reasons leading to these deaths. However, many of these horses were wearing sensors provided by Stride Safety, according to which eight out of the twelve deaths happened due to musculoskeletal events.

In the race, eight out of twelve horses were wearing these sensors. After the fatal race, in a two-day meeting of the research team and stride safe, it was found that seven horses out of eight wearing the sensor were showing an abnormal reading. However, the sensors were unfortunately attached after the race had already begun.

In an interview with the horse racing nation, Dale Romans, a Churchill Downs-based trainer stated, “We can’t eliminate all fatalities, but we can and will bring the numbers down farther. We know it’s not going to be tomorrow, but it will come down the road. We need to be ready to take advantage of whatever new technology becomes available.”.

This technology could have saved the lives of many innocent animals if it had been known before. Nevertheless, the Kentucky racers are now truly in support of using such technology to save the stallions from harm.

Stride Safe receives support from equestrian clan

Romans added that “the track at Churchill Downs has been very good, and so has the one at Ellis Park.” The trainer is in support of the technology and believes horse racing is changing with time, and technology will only help improve safety. Romans use stride-safe sensors on every horse they work with and think that stride-safe is here to improve sportsmanship rather than replace it.

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To promote this technology The Kentucky Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association and the National HBPA, in collaboration with Churchill Downs, will host a meeting on Monday at Churchill Downs. The purpose of the meeting will be to provide trainers, owners, and other stakeholders with a comprehensive understanding of the technology. And Churchill Downs Inc.’s equine medical director, Will Farmer, will be on hand to clear up any confusion.

The Kentucky Derby race was truly an unfortunate event, which led to the loss of many thoroughbreds. However, modern technologies such as stride safe will hopefully lessen the danger and make these racetracks safer for both animals and jockeys.

Watch this story: Days After Kentucky Derby Incident, Equestrian Community Mourns Another Loss