It is normal to hear of new technologies being nurtured in Silicon Valley expanding globally. It is less often that you hear of new Irish technology ventures quickly finding traction in California.
Horse racing in the state has been under significant scrutiny in recent years but industry leaders have embraced sweeping reforms – the most recent of which sees Kildare-based Equine MediRecord (EMR) provide its revolutionary anti-doping and horse welfare software to thoroughbred owners on the west coast.
The company launched its system only two years ago but has already amassed an impressive list of clients including the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association, the Arabian Racing Organisation and the Irish Veterinary and Welfare Commission.
Co-Founder Pierce Dargan featured in this year’s PwC supported Sport for Business 30 Under 30 and is a graduate of Blackrock College and Trinity College.
The company sells and maintains a revolutionary mobile application, website and drug database to allow proper, timely recording of the many medicines and vaccinations that are routinely administered.
This system allows for the full veterinary history of the horse to be recorded securely, ensuring the best possible horse welfare as well as aid with crucial anti-doping procedures.
Equine medical records are digitized and recorded on the mobile and web-based application used by trainers or their vets.
Once records are entered into the system they cannot be altered, providing integrity and transparency for all concerned.
The system also provides timetabling and reminder notifications of when medications are due.
“I was impressed with EMR’s system,” said Scott Chaney, Executive Director of the California Horse Racing Board who have decided to implement the system.
“As governmental regulations become more strict, Equine MediRecord makes following the regulations easier and less costly.”
Equine Medirecord CEO, Pierce Dargan, who was named in Sport for Business 30 Under 30, is understandably thrilled with the latest news. He said:
“There has been a real desire and determination to promote transparency and equine welfare, not just by the Thoroughbred Owners of California but also the equine community of California as a whole,” added Dargan.
“We feel our system can play a role in the movement to help ensure that our children will be able to enjoy horse racing the way we have for generations – to be a part of that work is very exciting.”
At a time when horse welfare and sports integrity are firmly under the microscope, this Irish innovation has the potential to be a real winner.
