The Thunder of Hooves and the Thrill of the Race:
             Technology and the Horseracing Industry
             There is quite possibly nothing more thrilling than standing at the rail of Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky as a field of thoroughbreds comes charging around the turn; unless it is standing at the rail holding a ticket on the horse bearing down on the leader. This experience affects all six senses simultaneously. The eyes focus on the colorful silks, ears strain to hear the announcer's call over the roar of thundering hooves and screams of the crowd. The aroma of the surrounding racetrack swirl fills the nostrils and the palms of the hands begin to sweat holding the pari-mutuel ticket. All this excitement joins together as the horses cross the wire in the midst of a cheering crowd. Whether the race is the Kentucky Derby or simply the first of a horse's career, everyone becomes involved in the suspense and excitement. When buying a ticket and betting on a horse, people become part of the whole scene that makes thoroughbred racing the thrilling sport and spectacle it is.
             Technology played a role in the thrill and excitement of horse racing from its infancy. Throughout the development of the sport, various technologies assisted in the delivery of the experience, particularly in the realm of wagering that has been a part of racing from its inception. Technology's role continues to influence racing as the industry adopts the latest measuring and computing methods to increase the interest of the public and make the sport more accessible to larger segments of the public. This is seen most recently with the advent of electronic wagering systems that provide people in remote locations the opportunity to participate immediately in wagering on races from many different venues. This paper will review briefly the history of Thoroughbred racing and the role technology has played in the past, what current technologies are employed in the...