Unlocking Champion Racehorses: Jeffrey Seder's Data-Driven Approach and EQB's Success in Horse Racing
- Unlocking Champion Racehorses: Jeffrey Seder's Data-Driven Approach and EQB's Success in Horse Racing Michael D. Levitt 26:28
Jeffrey founded Equine Biomechanics & Exercise Physiology (EQB), which helps HNWIs and entrepreneurs looking to enter the horse racing business pick and manage young, unraced thoroughbred horses that may become champions.
Jeffrey has spent millions, including $7M+ of his own Money, researching and refining the science of picking a champion racehorse for more than four decades and has grown EQB to be one of the USA’s leading talent scout buyers for young unraced thoroughbred horses.
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They helped one of their clients go from start-up to the leading USA racing stable in 4 years with a profit! This was even before the client made $50M+ from a racehorse they selected that won several world championships and became the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years. Several other clients have also had world champions.Â
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Jeffrey disrupted the horse racing industry by developing a quantitative approach to finding the best racehorses, much of which has now been widely copied.
His approach pre-dates and is similar to the one depicted in the Brad Pitt movie Moneyball, in which Pitt analyzes baseball players using biometric measurements at rest and while running and the type of equations and statistics to demonstrate their value and project their potential accomplishments. The data includes slow-motion films, organ scans, DNA markers, etc.Â
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On the podcast, Jeffrey discusses:
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- How exhilarating the racehorse game can be, and the associated Lifestyle and personal associations involved.
- Racehorse investments compare to traditional investments (Real Estate, stocks, precious metals, etc).
- How to become a thoroughbred owner without breaking the bank, including owning a fractional share of a championship-winning racehorse, what to know before buying a thoroughbred, and how much it costs.
- A description of the research methodologies behind finding and separating the good horses from the great ones.
- New racehorse selection technologies and the state of the industry’s agents and consultants: the good, the bad, and the ugly.
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To get a sense of Jeffrey, here’s an episode he did with The Meb Faber Show, where he talked about whether a racehorse’s winning metrics are more important than training.
Equine Biometrics and the Triple Crown Challenge
EQB, Jeffrey’s company, specialized in equine biometrics, achieved significant milestones, such as being the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years after spending millions on research over 35 years in thoroughbred horse racing and breeding. Jeffrey shared how he became involved in the unpredictable sport after falling in love with a horse on a blind date. Michael drew parallels between winning a Triple Crown and other sports’ challenges. Jeffrey attributed his success to using data and scientists.
Jeffrey’s Journey From Harvard to Horse Racing Success
Jeffrey shared his journey from being a Harvard student to falling in love with horse racing. He initially studied law and business, but his passion for horse racing led him to research the sport’s history and management. Despite facing challenges, he pursued his dream and eventually became successful in the field. He also mentioned his experience at Citibank, where he quit his job to pursue his passion for horse racing.
Innovative Methods and Opportunities in Horse-Raising Industry
Jeffrey expressed frustration with the lack of acceptance of his innovative methods in the horse-raising industry and the prevalence of misinformation. He suggested that small groups could benefit from his expertise and Technology, making the industry a lucrative business for those with the right resources. Jeffrey also highlighted the irrationality of the industry as an opportunity. Michael and Jeffrey discussed their experiences as entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and passion, and using examples like a car salesman’s spreadsheet database and a fisherman prioritizing family over wealth. They discussed the potential for horse racing to grow, become more accessible, and drive economic stimulation and fan engagement, likening it to high-profile sports events and highlighting the life-changing impact of owning a racing team.
Exploring Horse Racing Innovations and DNA Applications
Jeffrey shared his experiences of discovering new methods and technologies in the field of horse racing, including inventing the first accurate heart rate meter for racehorses and creating a portable ultrasound machine. He emphasized the importance of curiosity and questioning established knowledge, as he found that many experts in the field were unaware of certain resources and equipment. Jeffrey also discussed his work with DNA, highlighting the potential for early identification of promising horses and the importance of accurate data in AI applications. He criticized the current trend of marketing DNA testing for speed in horses, arguing that it oversimplifies the complex factors involved in horse racing.
EQB, Equine Biometrics, and Racehorse Business
Jeffrey and Michael discussed Jeffrey’s company, EQB, which focuses on equine biometrics. Jeffrey shared his company’s website, email, and the availability of their research papers. He also emphasized the importance of understanding the racehorse business, which he described as serious and competitive.
