What is the Time Index?
The RaceiQ Time Index builds on our Par Time model and contextualises how the actual race time compares against the expected race time. Our team of Data Scientists have carried out some complex modelling to assess the distribution of historic race winning times by making adjustments for the following variables:
- Racecourse
- Distance
- Class of race
- Going description
- Race conditions
The outcome of this model generates a simple score out of ten to quantify that comparison.
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The benefits of the Time Index
Similar to the RaceiQ Jump Index, the Time Index provides an easily digestible score to contextualise a horse’s performance. It unlocks the comparison with Par Time to give a deeper understanding of the quality of a race win time. For most casual fans it is difficult to understand what makes an exceptional, or substandard, winning performance. The Time Index score provides a solution to that problem.
The variance of a win time against the Par Time can take on a different interpretation, depending on the distance of the race or the conditions. A horse running one second quicker than the RaceiQ Par Time over 5f breaks down to 0.2 seconds per furlong, whereas one second quicker than Par over 1m2f equates to 0.1 seconds per furlong. By using the Time Index to assess this variance, we quickly have a guide on the level of a horse’s performance.
Why is the Time Index so popular?
The Time Index provides another detailed insight and comparison of race performances across a day. Where the RaceiQ Par Time gives a black and white understanding of whether a race win time was quicker or slower than expected, the Time Index model provides the colour to illustrate the variance from Par.
As with Par Time, it enables us to judge the potential of racecourse debutants, all the way through to understanding whether handicappers were unlucky in defeat. 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 or can give a guide on the impact of drying conditions on a hot day.
This sort of information proves essential when assessing a horse’s chances of winning and determining how tactics may unfold in the race. It also gives us crucial information when reflecting on a race day to understand whether the conditions were as described on the day and therefore whether horses’ performances were quite what they seemed.
Time Index examples
Our metrics in action
What the experts say
Discover how RaceiQ metrics are elevating broadcast
“There is no such thing as too much data. I’ve been a professional racing analyst for over 20 years, but even experienced eyes will miss plenty of relevant details and nuance. Well harvested data has a great capacity to inform, surprise and improve understanding. Sophisticated utilisation of data is an area that is only going to grow in racing.”
Kevin Blake
Racing Analyst and Broadcaster
