Technology company Equine MediRecord (EMR) have confirmed a deal with Racing Victoria that could be a game-changer for the Australian horse racing industry.
EMR’s groundbreaking software platform is already used in the United States and other jurisdictions worldwide, and will now be utilised for some of Australia’s biggest races.
The Partnership with Racing Victoria
EMR’s partnership with Racing Victoria is a huge milestone for the company, considering the Spring Racing Carnival is one of the most prestigious events in the racing world.
The Cox Plate, Caulfield Cup and the Melbourne Cup are its crown jewels and will now be staged under the watchful eye of the company’s advanced technology.
The introduction of EMR’s platform in Australia is particularly noteworthy because it will cater to both domestic and international horses. The system makes it easier for trainers to ensure their horses meet all the necessary requirements.
This also bodes for the betting community, particularly where the Melbourne Cup is concerned. The race is one the most wagered on races in the global calendar.
Melbourne Cup betting odds and they are eager to ensure their bets are placed on horses that are in peak condition.
EMR’s platform provides this assurance by guaranteeing that all horses have a clean bill of health before they race, giving peace of mind to bettors.
The system’s transparency and security features mean that once records are entered, they cannot be altered, ensuring that all information is accurate and trustworthy.
EMR’s Global Influence
The EMR platform was born out of the frustration experienced by the Dargan family, who operate Eyrefield House Stud on The Curragh Racecourse.
The Dragans experienced difficulties in manual record-keeping and decided to digitise the entire set-up, leading to the first EMR software specifically designed for horses.
The family have deep roots in the Irish racing industry, so it didn’t take long for the platform to gain regulatory approval, which paved the way for its expansion into international markets.
EMR securely records all essential information about a horse’s health, including medical history, training regimens and veterinary treatments.
The digital system ensures the accuracy and security of these records, making it easier for trainers to keep track of their horse’s wellbeing and to comply with various regulations worldwide.
Top Irish trainer Willie Mullins has been a vocal supporter of the EMR system, lavishing praise on the platform for its numerous capabilities.
Mullins, who often targets international races such as the Melbourne Cup, said: “You get injuries obviously in any game and keeping their health right is the main thing apart from getting horses fit.
“Horses are easier to train when they’re healthy, and that’s been the key here. I couldn’t keep in my head what needs to be done.
“Different countries have different regulations for vaccinations – what you’re allowed or not allowed to use in different scenarios and the time schedules.
“Equine MediRecord keeps a full history of the horse in one place. Whether that’s their medical, information about their training regimes or their diet. Everything you need to know about your horse is in the palm of your hand.”
EMR’s Expanding Reach & International Recognition
EMR has been making waves in the horse racing industry, but the firm’s influence has skyrocketed since it first partnered with the prestigious Breeders’ Cup World Championships.
The company provided its system at Keeneland in Kentucky in 2020. That partnership has grown stronger since then and will likely be used again at the Breeders’ Cup this year.
Last year’s edition at Santa Anita featured a brand-new version of the EMR platform which was designed to meet the strict rules set by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA).
HISA’s regulations are all about making sure horse racing is fair and safe. EMR’s system plays a crucial role in keeping things honest. It helps trainers understand the rules and ensures they follow them.
The success of EMR at the Breeders’ Cup didn’t go unnoticed elsewhere. For instance, the Pegasus World Cup now requires all horses to use EMR’s system.
EMR’s partnership with the HVMS veterinary practice management system has also made things even easier.
Veterinarians can now send medical records straight to HISA, cutting down on paperwork and ensuring compliance.
