Kentucky Derby & Trakus Data

On Saturday afternoon I posted a piece breaking down the Trakus data from the 2014 Kentucky Derby. The post was very similar to prior posts I've written in the past, like this one on the Pacific Classic. And this one on a pair of stakes at Woodbine. This one on Animal Kingdom. And this one on the Blue Grass between Hansen and Dullahan.

Yesterday's post is now hidden from view after Trakus requested I take it down for a very simple reason: Churchill Downs has yet to allow the data collected by the Trakus system to be available for the public. At the time I wrote yesterday's post, I did not realize that Churchill is treating their Trakus data different than every other Trakus track.

My assumption that Churchill was no different than these other Trakus tracks was incorrect; I didn't do my due diligence so I immediately hid the post after Trakus informed me of the current situation with Churchill. I have no issue with Trakus' request in any way, shape, or form.

Should Churchill Downs deem it acceptable that the general public is allowed to see how fast each horse ran at various stages in the biggest race in America, using the most accurate timing system currently available, I may un-hide the post. But, at this point, I'll wait to see if CD makes the data available, and how much of it.

If you're wondering why Churchill Downs doesn't want the public to actually see the raw data, well, get in line. I have no explanation and I won't speculate because I find it baffling that a track would go through the trouble of installing this wonderful timing system and then not allow people to actually see it.

Anyway, that's the story on the no story.

In the words of Judge Smails: "You'll get nothing and like it!"

Thankfully, NYRA doesn't treat the Trakus data collected at their tracks like Churchill, so when we get to the Belmont we will be free to actually discuss and analyze the results of their races.