Welcome to the latest article published on our popular pages. It’s an addition that will catch the eye of the many tech lovers amongst us. Regular visitors to our pages and readers of our articles know our content team likes to keep a finger on the pulse of the ever-changing world of modern tech. From how the latest arrivals can help improve your skills in the kitchen to tech in the media, we’ve got something for everyone. Browse our catalog, and we guarantee you’ll find a tech-related article that will entertain and educate you.
We now turn our attention to the fascinating world of professional sports. The horse racing industry has been making headlines in recent times, with the race for the Triple Crown dominating the thinking of followers. Only a select few runners and riders have proven talented enough to scoop the Triple Crown, which is one of the most exclusive clubs in professional sports. If you’ve been following this year’s action, you’ll know horse racing in the United States and across North America is in great shape.
The leading online gambling apps offer odds on Preakness Stakes, allowing fans and bettors to predict the result of the next big race and gamble on their favorite. Study the stats, browse the runners, compare the best odds, and pick your horse. Join an online sportsbook, download the app, and you’ll qualify for a generous welcome bonus ahead of the next horse race, NFL clash, or championship boxing card from Saudi Arabia.
Tech in sports
Improvements in technology are changing all professional sports, including American Football, tennis, and soccer. Watch any English Premier League fixture live on television or the best live-streaming apps, and you’ll not have to wait long to see tech in action. The most common but divisive example of tech in soccer’s most-watched competition is the Video Assistant Referee, also known as VAR.
Switch channels and tune into any live tennis game from a Grand Slam like the Wimbledon Championships or the US Open to see more technology in sports. Hawkeye allows the umpire a second chance to make the biggest and most important decisions, helping remove human error from the equation. The famous John McEnroe “you cannot be serious” rant would’ve been a lot less entertaining with Hawkeye as there’s no questioning the decision.
Horse racing is an ancient sport that pre-dates soccer and tennis by generations. Is there room for tech in racing, and how have the latest releases helped shape a sport that was viewed by many as old-fashioned and dated? Tech plays a bigger role in modern horse racing than you might think, especially in safety. Keep reading as we explain how technology is improving safety in horse racing.
Diagnostics and treatment
One of the most significant advancements in horse racing safety is the improvement in veterinary diagnostics and treatments. Modern technology allows for early detection and treatment of injuries, which is crucial in preventing more severe problems.
Portable ultrasound and X-ray machines enable veterinarians to diagnose injuries on-site quickly. This immediate access to imaging technology helps in making swift decisions about a horse’s fitness to race.
Thermal imaging cameras can detect heat patterns and inflammation in a horse’s body, identifying potential injuries that may not be visible to the naked eye. This technology is invaluable for early intervention and preventing more serious injuries.
Advances in regenerative medicine, such as stem cell therapy, are being used to treat tendon and ligament injuries more effectively. This treatment promotes faster and more robust healing, reducing downtime and the risk of re-injury.
Wearable technology
Wearable technology has become increasingly popular in various sports, and horse racing is no exception. These devices can monitor a horse’s vital signs and physical condition, providing trainers and veterinarians with critical data to ensure the animal’s well-being.
Devices that monitor a horse’s heart rate during training and races can provide real-time data on their cardiovascular health. Abnormal heart rates can be an early indicator of stress or underlying health issues.
GPS technology allows for the precise tracking of a horse’s speed, distance, and position during training and races. This data helps trainers optimize training regimens and detect any irregularities in a horse’s performance that might indicate an injury.
These sensors can detect gait irregularities that may suggest lameness or other musculoskeletal problems. By identifying issues early, trainers can adjust workouts or seek veterinary care before a minor problem becomes a significant injury.
Improved surfaces
The quality of the racing surface is a critical factor in the safety of horse racing. Technological advancements have led to the development of safer, more resilient track surfaces that reduce the risk of injury.
Many racecourses have transitioned from traditional dirt tracks to synthetic surfaces, which are designed to be more forgiving on horses’ legs. These surfaces provide consistent footing and reduce the impact on joints and tendons.
Advanced machinery and software are used to maintain and monitor track conditions continuously. Sensors embedded in the track can measure parameters like moisture content, compaction, and temperature, ensuring optimal racing conditions and preventing hazardous situations.
Engineers and scientists use biomechanics to study how different surfaces affect a horse’s gait and overall biomechanics. This research informs the design and maintenance of tracks that minimize the risk of injury.
Enhanced jockey safety
Jockeys are at significant risk in horse racing, and technological advancements have also been focused on improving their safety. Innovations in protective gear and monitoring systems are helping to protect jockeys from injury.
Modern helmets and protective vests are designed using advanced materials that offer better protection against impacts. These items are lightweight, comfortable and provide enhanced safety features compared to older equipment.
Similar to those used in motorsports, airbag vests for jockeys can inflate upon impact, providing additional protection to the spine, neck, and torso during a fall.
Wearable devices can detect when a jockey falls from a horse and immediately alert medical personnel. This rapid response can be crucial in administering timely medical assistance and improving outcomes in the event of an accident.