BHA trialling Sleip in pre-race vet examinations

Stockholm, Sweden 2025-01-20

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) is trialling Sleip’s AI-powered gait analysis technology during all race meetings at Aintree, including the Grand National, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance racehorse welfare and safety.

As reported in the Racing Post, the initiative aims to provide vets with objective data to support their expertise. Sally Taylor, BHA’s head of equine safety, regulation, and welfare, explains:

“We will be filming every horse running at Aintree during pre-race examinations as part of the trial and when it concludes in June, we will have used the app at more than 100 race meetings across Britain.”

Measuring over time is key 

The technology enables vets to track subtle changes over time, compare motion patterns from race to race, and maintain a digital record of each horse’s locomotion. Sally Taylor continues: 

“Sleip has the potential to allow us to keep a digital record and objective assessment of the horse’s movement, which complements the vet’s opinion. The app records high-quality videos and provides us with a slow-motion view of the horse’s gait. Crucially, it also allows vets, trainers and their teams to compare a horse’s movements over time, and from race to race – monitoring any changes that might have occurred.”

Dr. Elin Hernlund, co-founder and chief veterinary officer at Sleip, comments: 

“There is growing global interest in using objective data to support equine welfare. The BHA’s decision to trial Sleip at some of the most high-profile racing events underscores the technology's potential to support veterinary assessments and contribute to long-term racehorse welfare.”

The trial is part of a broader initiative by the British Horseracing Authority to enhance welfare practices in racing by integrating cutting-edge technology. It will provide valuable insights into how objective motion analysis can contribute to safeguarding racehorses’ long-term health and performance.