Horse racing-AI, wearable tech and lifetime tracking to improve lives of racehorses
LONDON, Nov 10 - The British Horseracing Authority's welfare board unveiled a five-year strategy on Tuesday to use AI, wearable technology and lifetime tracking of racehorses. The comprehensive plan outlines 20 priorities to enhance the welfare and safety of thoroughbred horses throughout their lives, focusing on veterinary research, injury prevention, training conditions and post-racing care.
The strategy extends oversight from birth, through competition, to life after racing. Despite Britain's horse racing being its second most-watched sport, equine welfare remains a major reputational concern due to falls, fatalities, and scrutiny at major events like Cheltenham and Aintree. Fatality rates in jumps racing remained at 0.47% in 2025, even after fence safety improvements.
The BHA aims to track the entire lifespan of all British racehorse breeds through the Retraining of Racehorses program, emphasizing that the goal is to continuously improve the sport's safety, not merely accept fatalities.
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