Revolutionary Application to Foster Racing's Growth

A dynamic duo of Thoroughbred owners, who are also avid racing enthusiasts, have created an application and web-based platform to link trainers, syndicates, and owners together.

Horse racing undeniably has the power to unite people on various levels: metaphorically, emotionally, and physically. In 2018, Landon Jones and Dawson Guhle experienced this firsthand when they crossed paths through a syndicate, sparking a desire to involve more individuals in this thrilling industry. This led to the development of Agri/Gate, an innovative application and web platform aimed at facilitating communication among stakeholders and providing education to new enthusiasts and owners.

Landon Jones, the CEO of the company based in Edmonton, Alberta, shared his journey, stating, “I got my start in racing in 2018 through a syndicate that Dawson put together. This was an eye-opening experience for me, and as a result, I wanted to learn as much as I could about the industry. Dawson’s lifelong passion for the industry as a whole lured me right in!”

Dawson Guhle, the Chief Operating Officer of Agri/Gate, and his fellow Albertan shared how their journey began. They initially connected through a small syndicate consisting of a great group of individuals who simply wanted to enjoy themselves. After experiencing a couple of timely victories, their conversations about the horse racing industry grew more frequent, eventually leading to the formation of Agri/Gate.

Their discussions about the project commenced in 2020. Jones, one of the founders, accented that their primary motivation was their deep affection for horses. They desired to make a meaningful contribution to an industry that held such a profound passion for them. One particular aspect they focused on was involving new stakeholders, particularly owners, in the sport. Alongside this goal, they aimed to modernise certain processes, ultimately aiding in the industry's long-term sustainability while collaborating with existing stakeholders. The creation of Agri/Gate was driven by the desire to enhance user engagement, increase financial investment in the industry, and provide fans and owners with more accessible information.

Revolutionising Through Passion and Innovation

The development of the app has spanned a year and a half. According to Jones, "Similar to the sport of horse racing, patience has been a major virtue that we’ve had to endure!” The app incorporates a streamlined flow of data and media, aiming to enhance communication between trainers and owners. "They are currently outlining a grand vision for additional features that they believe will make a significant contribution to the industry in the near future."

Through Agri/Gate, trainers will have the capability to directly communicate with owners, providing them with updates regarding their horses and exchanging notes and media concerning training, expenses, data points, and more. Users will have access to data on any registered horse through its integration with Equibase, and they will even be able to track a horse after it has left the track, ensuring successful transitions into second careers and improved welfare for Off-the-Track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs).

Guhle mentioned that they are currently collaborating with professionals from different industries to enhance and expand the capabilities of their app. The aim is to create a comprehensive tool that facilitates all aspects of racing operations, making the management and engagement processes smoother for everyone involved.

Both men have become deeply involved in the racing industry since they were introduced to it. Guhle expressed his fondness for the racetrack atmosphere, recalling the experiences of going to the track with his family when he was young and watching their family friends' horses race. It has always held a special place in his life. His deeper involvement in racing began in 2012 when he, along with his parents and cousin, decided to purchase a couple of mares and establish a small breeding operation.

Jones, on the other hand, currently has seven Thoroughbreds in training through various partnerships. He is particularly excited about a City of Light colt that has shown promising early potential as part of the Centennial Farms partnership. In 2022, he acquired his first broodmare from the Keeneland November sale. This experience has sparked his enthusiasm for researching pedigrees and gaining a broader understanding of breeding, further fuelling his passion for the industry as a whole.

App Aims to Enhance Racing Industry

According to Jones, the uniqueness of this app lies in their belief that any tools developed to assist the racing industry should be embraced and welcomed. They appreciate the efforts of other platforms and their founders who aim to make a positive difference in the industry. Rather than viewing them as competitors, they support existing products and future initiatives that contribute positively to the industry.

Guhle explained that while there are a few competitors in the same space, their app takes a holistic approach to addressing the needs of the racing industry. They acknowledge the immense potential of technology to enhance the sport and are dedicated to exploring innovative solutions. Their focus extends beyond communication and includes expanding the app's features to cover broader aspects of racing. They believe that their commitment to understanding and tackling the unique challenges faced by the industry from all angles will make their app a valuable tool for everyone involved.

Currently, the primary focus of the pair is to finalise a capital raise. They prefer to raise investment from stakeholders within the industry who share their long-term vision and recognise the potential of the industry. Although the app is already 90% built, they want to ensure it is perfected before its launch. Depending on the timing of key events, they aim to release the product to the market in mid-2024.

Guhle highlighted their commitment to thorough testing and collaboration with industry experts. They want to ensure that their app not only meets but exceeds the expectations of its users, hence the importance of the timeline reflecting their dedication to quality and user satisfaction.