A GUIDE TO

Lengths Gained Jumping

What is Lengths Gained Jumping?

Lengths Gained Jumping was the first modelled metric launched by RaceiQ in 2023. It uses detailed GPS tracking data to objectively quantify a horse’s jumping advantage, or disadvantage, in a race. By breaking each obstacle down as a 60 metre window; 30 metres before and after, we can identify significant moments within that race section that define how a horse has jumped. Each section is then analysed using speed related derived metrics to calculate how many lengths a horse has gained or lost at that obstacle:

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The benefits of Lengths Gained Jumping

For so long, people have speculated if jumping won or lost a horse its chances in a race. Now we can objectively say whether or not that was the case. The ability to define this element of a race offers invaluable insights, highlighting where strong jumping contributed to success or where mistakes may have hindered performance.

Such clarity is revolutionary for trainers, jockeys, and racing enthusiasts, enabling them to evaluate a horse’s technique. Moreover, the detailed analysis allows for a deeper appreciation of the tactical elements of racing, making the sport more engaging and transparent for all stakeholders.

For example, we could pinpoint why Fastorslow beat Galopin Des Champs in the Punchestown Gold Cup 2024; he gained nineteen lengths on Galopin Des Champs with his slick jumping through the race. The beaten distance was only a length and a quarter.

Why is Lengths Gained Jumping so popular?

A horse’s jumping ability is something that previously relied on industry experience and subjective opinions to quantify. Lengths Gained Jumping provides a solution to that problem. The RaceiQ team have worked closely with experts, including Ruby Walsh, to use their significant industry experience to refine the model. This means that we were able to build the most accurate overview of each runner’s relative jumping performance.

It also creates opportunities to dissect a race performance on multiple levels. Lengths Gained Jumping summarises a jumping performance, and the derived speed metrics create an opportunity to illustrate the result further. Why did a horse lose so many lengths through his jumping? Was it because he was always losing more speed than his rivals? Or because he took longer to regain his speed?

All of these combine to provide a detailed picture that can help broadcasters, participants and racing fans alike, creating informative and engaging content for all.