ARTIFICIAL intelligence [AI] will not only affect the working lives of those with office-based jobs but also stable staff, trainers and jockeys in the future.

That is the strong opinion of Prof Tomás Ward of Dublin City University’s School of Computing.

Prof Ward will be speaking at The Irish Field’s AI in Equine Conference at Naas Racecourse on Tuesday, September 9th.

AI and machine learning is already being used by some companies to detect lameness in horses and even to help identify potential stars at the sales. Prof Ward’s DCU colleagues are currently working with the racing authorities on a project relating to concussion in jockeys which has an AI component.

However, Prof Ward believes that AI will have a much deeper impact on the racing industry in time. “I would suggest that AI will not replace people in the equine industry but will fundamentally change how they work,” he said.

“Stable staff will shift from manual labour to data-driven management, using automated systems and interpreting data to provide more personalised care.

“Trainers and jockeys will augment their intuition with a move to science-backed horsemanship, using AI analytics from wearable sensors to create optimal training plans and refine performance.

“Vets will likely use AI as a powerful diagnostic assistant to detect issues earlier. Meanwhile, roles in breeding and strategic management will become more predictive, using AI to analyse genetics and race outcomes.

“New skills like data literacy will be essential as the entire industry embraces a partnership between human expertise and smart technology to enhance welfare and performance.

“Even back office tasks which might be laborious in terms of form-filling and regulatory paper-pushing can be automated with AI.”

Confirmed speakers

Other speakers added to the conference line-up this week are leading equine vet Marcus Swail and Diarmuid Byrne from Equiratings. Ellipse Data, the company which provides the RaceiQ on-screen data for Racing TV, will also be sending a spokesperson, as will Arioneo and Equimetrics, two of the leading providers of devices which collect and analyse dynamic data from competitive horses.

Already confirmed are Will Duff Gordon (Total Performance Data), Tom Wilson of Racing2 and Stephen O’Dwyer, founder of Trojan Track.

The AI in Equine Conference is sponsored by Circet and supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. 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.

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