In the world of horse racing, success is often attributed to instinct, experience, and tradition. However, Jose Gutierrez is proving that data analytics is the next frontier in optimizing performance and ensuring equine well-being. As a data analyst for Stud Los Tres Potrillos, he combines cutting-edge technology with time-honoured horsemanship. Thus, he uses insights from the Equiscience Advanced program to refine his training strategies, prevent injuries, and maximize each horse’s potential. In this interview, he shares his journey into data-driven horse training, the impact of science on racing decisions, and his vision for the future of analytics in the equine industry.
Could you introduce yourself?
I’m Jose Gutierrez. I’m 26 years old and currently a data analyst for Stud Los Tres Potrillos, which is a stud owned by my family. My dad is a breeder, and two years ago, we began keeping some horses for our racing. That’s how our journey started.
What motivated you to enroll in the Equiscience training program?
Initially, we had an Equimetre device to collect data from training sessions to assess the horses’ performance. However, I didn’t fully understand what the data meant—what factors indicated efforts, good recovery, whether a horse was training hard enough, or if it was being undertrained. The Equiscience Advanced program gave me a deeper understanding of this data, helping me ensure that our horses are training effectively and, more importantly, staying healthy.
In your opinion, what has been the main added value of the training in your daily work?
The added value is significant. What was important to me was that I improved my understanding of the data. It allows us to make informed decisions about training modifications. I liked the strategic aspect of the Equiscience Advanced -whether if a horse is in good condition to race, what distance, what’s its fitness level, etc.
One of the most useful aspects of the program was learning to compare our horses’ data -such as average speed and performance times- with past race winners at similar distances. This has helped us determine when a horse is ready to race and increase our chances of winning.
Could you share a concrete example where Equiscience had a positive impact on your work?
Since completing the Equiscience program, we’ve had 34 horses racing. The data has been invaluable in classifying horses based on their strengths -whether they are better suited for long distances or sprints.
For instance, we had a horse that showed signs of internal bleeding during exercise. Despite treatment, the issue persisted, and the data confirmed that retirement was the best option for his health.
Another example is our horse, Toribio. His initial races were short distances, where he lacked the necessary speed. However, his training data suggested he would perform better in longer races. When we moved him to a longer race, he won by a significant margin. These decisions were based entirely on the data we collected.
In the end, data helps you a lot in knowing where is your limit and playing with it.
What are the three words that would describe best the Equiscience program?
Innovation, precision, and welfare.
The horse racing industry has not yet widely adopted data-driven training methods, so this program is innovative and new. It also provides precise insights into a horse’s performance and condition. Most importantly, it promotes horse welfare, helping trainers recognize the limits -when to push harder or when to allow recovery. It really helps “heal” the image some people can have of the horseracing industry.
I would say that the best value of the Equiscience program is the welfare. You know when you have to slow down your training, when you have to do some resting, you can identify not only by the recovery but also by the stride length and stride frequency that the horse is having.
We are willing to promote well-being while striving for performance, did you feel it during the program?
While performance is the primary focus for most trainers, well-being is always emphasized throughout the program. A healthy horse will always perform better than an unhealthy one. The program teaches us to identify when a horse is being pushed too hard, ensuring their long-term health and success.
Can you tell us more about your professional goals and direction?
I want to develop my career as a data analyst. Right now, we are the only ones in Panama using the Equimetre technology, and we’ve offered our services to other trainers and students. However, for data analysis to be truly valuable, it requires consistent tracking rather than isolated training sessions.
That’s why I want to develop more as a data analyst, my goal is to help trainers understand how their horses are progressing and, eventually, become a trainer myself as I gain more experience.
You had great success with Vikina. How did data help in her training?
Vikina had to take a break from racing due to back pain and overtraining. When she returned, we changed her trainer and used data to refine her training approach.
The data -stride length, stride, frequency- showed she was a natural sprinter but needed better endurance even though she had a good aerobic condition. By using heart rate zones and effort monitoring, we adjusted her training to focus on cardiovascular conditioning rather than speed. This helped improve her stamina and overall performance.
Could you give us an overview of the horse industry in Panama? What are its main challenges and opportunities?
The industry in Panama is improving. Recently, horseracing has been officially recognized as a sport by the government, which provides more support.
However, a major challenge is the reluctance of many trainers to adopt new technologies. Many believe they don’t need additional data, relying solely on experience. But as the industry evolves, professionalism and data-driven approaches will become essential for competitiveness.
It is starting to get very competitive, for instance in the 3-year-old ratings.
What’s your perspective on integrating data into the horse racing and sports industries?
Data integration is the future but it is not seen much for now. It provides precise insights into performance and health, making training more efficient and reducing injuries. Anyone serious about competing at a high level will need to embrace data analysis, it’s invaluable.
Thank you, Jose, for sharing your inspiring journey with us. We look forward to the successes and contributions that you and our alumni will continue to make to the field of equine sports science.
For those interested in finding out more about the Equiscience program and how it can enrich their careers, please visit the dedicated programme page.
Contact :
📞 +507 66176050
📱 @jose.f.gutierrez.s07
Keywords: Equiscience, program, training, horseracing, Equimetre, data, monitoring, welfare, analytics