THE European yearling season is about to get underway and it will see an increased number of buyers and agents using new technology to assist them in selecting potential purchases.

While the human eye and expertise will never be replaced, algorithms, computer vision and artificial intelligence are already being utilised by investors to support their own instincts at bloodstock sales.

Tom Wilson of Racing2, a consultancy using such technology to help provide insights to clients at bloodstock sales, said: “Our company has been using machine learning algorithms and computer vision models to assist clients with bloodstock purchases for the past couple of years.

“Increasingly we see that technology is being leveraged more and more to assist with the selection process in bloodstock. From gait and stride analysis at yearling sales, to analytical models evaluating times and stride patterns at breeze-up sales, all the way back to mating decisions.

“What we observe is that the blend of leading-edge analytic solutions combined with human equine expertise is the most powerful combination. But, as with any market, there will always be a place for different methodologies. That’s what makes value in a market.”

Will Duff Gordon, CEO of Total Performance Data, tends to agree. His company is the world’s leading horse racing data provider and is best known to many as the provider of on-screen data during racing on Sky Sports Racing.

“The true greats should carry on with what works for them and what they know. But the combination of data and instinct is the way forward,” he said. “Our clients include breeders, agents, trainers, broadcasters, regulators and universities.”

Sophisticated data analysis tools are also being increasingly adopted by racehorse owners. Stephen O’Dwyer is the founder and CEO of Trojan Track, an Irish start-up that uses advanced AI and pose estimation technology to detect early signs of lameness or imbalance in horses through smartphone video recordings.

“Even the best horsepeople can only process what the human eye can resolve. AI simply extends that eyesight into the millisecond/millimetre domain,” he said.

“It doesn’t replace horsemanship; it hands the professional better information, sooner. Think of it as a digital stethoscope: indispensable, yet entirely dependent on expert interpretation.”

Wilson, Gordon and O’Dwyer are among the speakers taking part in The Irish Field’s AI in Equine Conference at Naas Racecourse on Tuesday, September 9th.

The event is sponsored by telecoms company Circet and part-funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine under the Equine Technical Support Scheme.

Diarmuid Byrne of EquiRatings, a data analytics company operating in the sport horse sector, is also a confirmed panellist, while cutting edge companies Ellipse Data, Equimetrics and Arioneo will also be represented on stage.

The day will feature four panel discussions, covering veterinary, performance optimisation, bloodstock and business applications. Guests will have the opportunity to ask questions and network with the speakers during the day.

Fewer than 150 tickets remain available at the early bird price of €100 plus booking fee. Tickets can be purchased HERE

See full article: https://www.theirishfield.ie/amp/racing/news/will-technology-replace-the-human-eye-at-the-sales-880415