Wearables on the racecourse: European Trainer Magazine feature
In 2025, Britain became the first horseracing nation to pilot the use of in-race heart monitors for racehorses.
These 鈥榚quine Fitbits鈥� use the latest technology to track a horse鈥檚 heart rhythm and activity, providing an insight into their health and performance.
By collecting and analysing the data, British racing can better identify and screen those horses at greater risk of experiencing cardiac issues 鈥� part of wider efforts to continually improve safety and reduce risk.
Writing for the latest edition of , BHA vet and wearables project lead Sally Taylor and veterinary consultant Celia Marr reflect on the first year of the pilot, the initial research findings and expanding the work in 2026.
Advances in technology and refinements in data collection and analysis are playing an essential role in enhancing safety, reducing the risk of injury and supporting improved welfare outcomes for horses in Britain and across the globe.
The pilot is being conducted in collaboration with Dr Celia Marr, Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons鈥� internal medicine specialist, and Professor Kamalan Jeevaratnam and his team at the University of Surrey. It is supported by the Horse Welfare Board and the Racing Foundation.
Working closely with Max Kendrick and the team at Fergal O’Brien Racing, who have played an instrumental role in informing, shaping and delivering the trial, the BHA-led study to test wearable devices under race conditions has shown encouraging early signs.
The main objective during the initial phase has been to refine the practicalities of using the Arioneo Equimetre and Equimetrics Vpro devices on a raceday. This included checking safety and feasibility, but also that it could collect high quality and accurate ECGs before, during and after the race.
The next phase will see the pilot expanded in 2026, with more trainers invited to use the technology on raceday.
- Read the full article .
- A summary version is also available .
Our thanks to Anderson & Co Publishing Ltd for making this publication freely available.
