Good suggestion, and this could be implemented very easily. Remember, this year’s Derby’s splits were the fastest ever.
Horse racing notebook: Digital time displays would help jockeys – Houston Chronicle
http://www.chron.com/sports/article/Horse-racing-notebook-Digital-time-displays-3547141.php
In many races around turns, interval times (splits) are vital.
Whether shouted to a distance runner or flashed on digital display to a speedskater, splits enable in-race time management. They can prevent early lagging or the penalty of going too fast, which is exhaustion.
In thoroughbred racing, the competitors’ only time check is a jockey’s instinct for pace. At best, the tradition is unscientific.
After Saturday’s Kentucky Derby, you’d think thoroughbred track owners would consider mounting large digital displays at jockey eye level on inside rails. A rider whose horse needs to quicken or back off might adjust.
Jockey Mike Smith could have used an in-race time check during the 11/4-mile Derby. He took Bodemeister through the first half mile in 45.39 seconds. Both his half-mile and three-quarter-mile (1:09.8) times were the fastest in the Derby’s 138-race history. Those intervals may have cost him the race.
Posted via email from Michael Pizzolla On ValueCapping™, Horse Racing, And Technology
