Source : Australian Associated Press
Segenhoe Stud boss Kevin Maloney has launched a revolutionary new technology system which tracks and manages the health and progress of thoroughbreds.
Called StableWizard, the product is a real-time information system with horse welfare at its core.
Premier trainer Chris Waller has been working in conjunction with Maloney and has trialled StableWizard for the past two years.
Waller says it is a game changer in terms of horse management.
“Working with horses, if you don’t have accurate information you can work a horse or train a horse when you shouldn’t be,” Waller said.
“When you’re dealing with a lot of staff, you’re working long hours, you’re relying on accurate information and (now) that information on a digital platform is there for you to use throughout a horse’s career.”
The new system provides a complete data picture of a horse’s stable life, recording information such as temperature and feed checks.
It also issues an alert if an anomaly is detected, such as a horse spiking a fever.
With an increased focus on thoroughbred welfare, Maloney anticipates StableWizard will change the face of training.
“StableWizard automation will be like the transformation from horse and cart to the automobile for this industry,” Maloney said.
It also has the support of experts such as Dr Malcom France, a member of the Board of the ANZ Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching.
France says more accurate data management will only improve the health and welfare of racehorses.
“I think it’s essential that the horse racing industry adopt new technologies and works with a foundation in animal welfare science that we now have available,” France said.
“That’s important, not only for community expectations but also for the performance of the animals themselves, as well as the welfare of those animals so everybody wins.”
