How Japan is using AI to train racehorses and assist data push to find perfect candidate for Arc breakthrough

AI is beginning to revolutionise the training of horses in Japan, with the founder of a company leading the technological push believing it will help the country land a long-awaited first win in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

Data is taken from sensors attached to horses' legs, measuring movements, heart rate and electrocardiogram data. It is then sent to trainers' smartphones providing information on potential injury risks, recommended training programmes as well as guidance on preferred distances and ground to improve race planning.

Trainers who have started using the technology run by Equtum, have already credited the data-driven switch for improved performance in their horses. Among them is Nishino Agent, who emerged as one of the leading contenders for the Classics in Japan this season with victory in the Group 3 Keisei Hai at Nakayama last month.

"AI will impact all aspects of horse development," said founder Hideaki Oshima. "It will reveal previously unseen horse conditions and deepen human-horse relationships. Training will identify injury risks, future potential, and growth opportunities. New technologies like video analysis will advance horsemanship. Data will quantify training techniques and suggest improvements. Horseracing will become more entertaining and accessible to fans.

"We aim to support a Japanese horse winning the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. While we haven't identified specific candidates yet, we believe it's achievable. Our extensive data will help identify horses suited to Longchamp racecourse. Using this data and AI, we'll support selecting and preparing horses with high Arc potential."

Shin Emperor (far): could only finish 12th in the Arc last yearCredit: Masakazu Takahashi

There is already emerging interest in Europe for the technology, according to Oshima, although a number of trainers in Britain already utilise data such as stride length and heart rate.

Oshima added: "We're pleased to receive European interest. While currently operating in Japan, we aim to expand globally. We want to support horses challenging international races, whether coming to Japan, competing abroad, or racing domestically, using Equtum for optimal decision-making.

"The key advantage is introducing objective metrics to a field traditionally based on intuition and experience. This enables more efficient and constructive discussions through shared understanding, leading to optimised training plans and rotation schedules. 

"Heart rate, pitch and stride data help determine suitable race distances and track conditions. Sometimes, we recommend middle distances or mile races for horses with long-distance pedigrees. Future data accumulation may enable injury prevention."

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