A GUIDE TO

Par Time

What is Par Time?

One of the most powerful tools for sporting race analysis is timing data. The biggest difference in horse racing is that the number of variables are so much higher. Whilst some athletics tracks may perform marginally differently, they are all fairly similar in surface and formation. The same cannot be said for the racecourses located on either side of the Irish Sea. By studying historical race times from the last 10 years, our data scientists produced a model that has learnt to assess race times based on previous performances. This model then produces an expected time for every race, that accounts for the:

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The benefits of Par Time

Our RaceiQ Par Time has quickly become a relied upon guide about how quickly we should expect a race to be run. By establishing this benchmark, we are able to compare horses’ performances against what we expect, and also understand the effects of abnormal conditions and how that may affect results in future races on the day.

This metric can give us insight into:

Why is Par Time so popular?

Each race’s Par Time is generated pre race, allowing broadcasters, participants and fans to instantly understand the quality of a race win time. Whether it be judging an expensive sales purchase winning on racecourse debut, or understanding which horses were unlucky to ‘bump into one’ in a handicap. This model provides a quick and easy way to communicate a benchmark, against which to compare the competition.

It is also a great way to assess how conditions fare throughout a race day. If rain falls, it quickly highlights when conditions start deteriorating. On the flip side in the heat of summer, it can also give a guide on whether conditions are drying. This sort of information can prove essential when assessing a horse’s chances of winning and determining how tactics may unfold in the race.

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What the experts say

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“RaceiQ Par Times contextualise final time expectation by taking account of individual race conditions. Their sensitivity to Class Conditions and Distance make them the most accurate final time analysis tool the sport has ever had.”