In the fast-paced world of elite horse racing, precision is everything. Ciaron Maher Racing has integrated the Arioneo Training System to act as a ‘second set of eyes’ across their various training locations. From seamless microchip integration to advanced ECG medical tracking, discover how one of Australia’s leading stables uses data-driven insights to optimise performance and uphold the highest standards of horse welfare.
Watch the interview: link.
How long have you been using the Arioneo Training System, and how does it fit into your large-scale operation?
We’ve been using the Arioneo Training System trackers for five years now. It really suits our system, especially given that we operate across many different locations. With this technology, nothing is missed; every gallop is recorded, allowing us to build a comprehensive profile for every horse. We still want our trainers and assistants watching the gallops for those ‘idio-temperamental’ nuances, but Arioneo Training System acts like another set of eyes. That data feedback has been invaluable to our stable’s decision-making.
You’ve trained some of the greatest champions in Australian racing. How do you use the data collected from your elite winners to help the next generation?
Over the past five years, we’ve recorded data from Melbourne Cup, Caulfield Cup, Everest, and Cox Plate winners. Having that historical data is a massive advantage. It allows us to go back, review the parameters of our elite performers, and refine our training processes moving forward. We aren’t just guessing; we are benchmarking against the best.
In a busy stable, speed and ease of use are key. How does your team handle the devices on a daily basis?
Equipping the trackers is made simple. We use the girth attachment to easily fit them during gallops, jump outs, and trials, allowing us to switch them quickly between lots. The microchip reader is a game-changer; it allows us to scan each horse and instantly identify which tracker is assigned to them, ensuring an easy, seamless connection every time.
Once the data is synced, how does your performance team translate those numbers into actionable insights?
The sessions are synced to the cloud, where our team of performance analysts examines each session. We look at key parameters like recovery patterns, stride length, and stride frequency. The Arioneo interface is easily customisable, which helps our analysts identify specific trends and share that follow-up directly with the training team and veterinary staff.
Beyond speed and fitness, how does the system support your commitment to horse welfare and medical standards?
The system is a critical piece of our process regarding horse welfare. For instance, when horses require an ECG to be approved for a return to racing, we can generate those reports directly from their training sessions. Our veterinary staff can then check them over and give the ‘tick’ to get back to the races. It ensures two things: that every horse is at its peak performance level, and that we are maintaining best-practice welfare standards for the industry.
Key Words: Ciaron Maher, Arioneo, Equimetre, Training System, horse data, data-driven, training, analytics, horses, recovery, heart rate, speed
Photo: Bronwen Healy Photography
Website: https://www.ciaronmaher.com.au/