Could you please introduce yourself?
My name’s Rob Archibald. We train here at Warwick Farm. I train alongside my wife, Annabelle, and our main base here is Warwick Farm.
How long have you been working with data, and what first drew you to begin working with data?
We’ve been working with Arioneo for nearly 12 months now. We had been interested in data for quite some time, but it’s been an enjoyable 12 months working closely with them to enhance our training capabilities. It has certainly been a useful tool.
Can you tell us more about how you handle our data collection and analysis?
The Arioneo tracker is put on each horse when they’re doing faster work. Each location’s foreman and assistant trainer are in charge of managing that process.
The data is downloaded into a database, and around 2 o’clock each afternoon, we receive a report on how each horse has performed during training. We then analyze that data in detail — it helps us plan what we’re going to do moving forward.
We also work with Laura Fitzharris, an independent veterinarian, who analyzes the data as well. She looks at stride length, recovery, and other performance indicators.
It’s a really good system we have in place — we receive an independent report from Arioneo and another from Laura. It gives us a well-rounded perspective and helps us make informed training decisions.
It’s worked well so far. We’re still early in our journey using the technology, but we’re looking forward to developing it further in the coming years.
What do you like about working with Arioneo and the Equimetres?
We love working with Arioneo and their team — they’ve been great in helping us utilize the system to its full potential. There’s so much more we can do with it, and they’re always there to help us get the most out of the tool.
If there’s ever a problem, they’re on the phone 24/7 to assist. They’re a very professional operation, and we’ve really enjoyed working with them.
Can you share an example of a decision you or your team made that was driven by data?
To give an example of how the data impacts our decisions — after trials, we review how the horses are recovering, analyze their stride length, and compare this information with previous preparations.
If we’re not satisfied with the data, we may decide not to go to the races and instead trial again. Conversely, if the data looks positive, we might go straight to the races.
These insights allow us to individualize our training patterns and techniques to make sure we’re getting the best out of each horse.
How do you see the future of data in horse racing, and do you have any advice for trainers starting their data journey?
My advice for a young trainer starting out — and I say this knowing I’m still early in my own career — would be to start with just one device.
Get familiar with it, start receiving the reports, and get comfortable interpreting the data. Once you’re confident in how it’s impacting your training, you can always expand from there.
If you had to describe the Equimetre in one sentence, what would you say?
In terms of data in racing, I think we’ve only just scratched the surface. Some of the leading trainers around the world are already investing heavily in this area.
I believe we’ll see huge development over the next 20 years — and Arioneo will no doubt be at the forefront of that evolution.
If I had to describe Arioneo and EQUIMETRE in one sentence, I’d say:
“It’s a useful tool to enhance your training capabilities.”
Key words: Rob Archibald, stable, Warwick Farm, Equimetre, data, horses, analysis, racehorses, revolutionize, speed, recovery, trainer, comparison
Photo : Ian Currie