Jeff Seder: How Tech and Tenacity Disrupted the Horse Racing Industry

21st Century Entrepreneurship

Jeff Seder is a true innovator in the world of horse racing, blending cutting-edge technology with centuries-old tradition to revolutionize the industry. We spoke about his journey from a Harvard-educated lawyer to becoming the mastermind behind a system that produced the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years. Jeff shares how he combined his passion for horses with modern science, creating an approach that measures factors traditional experts overlook.

In this episode, we explored his pioneering work with EQB, where he used advanced technologies like DNA analysis, high-speed photography, and ultrasound to improve horse selection. Jeff’s persistence in the face of skepticism led him to create a patented system that changed the game. As he puts it, "They buy horses for a million dollars that have things really wrong with them, and they don’t even know it."

We discussed the challenges of being a disruptor in an industry rooted in tradition. Jeff emphasized how entrepreneurs must "get the best of what they already have" before introducing innovation. His persistence, dubbed “Dogzilla,” was essential in overcoming early failures. He explains, "Each failure taught me something, and I didn’t just take whatever answer I got."

Key takeaways from the conversation:

• Innovators must ask the hard questions: Jeff’s success came from questioning established practices and doing his own research when the data didn’t exist.
• Technology meets tradition: Combining traditional horsemanship with modern technology can lead to groundbreaking results in any industry.
• Physical and mental drive matters: Success is not just about physical advantage, but also about attitude and persistence—whether in horses or humans.

This episode offers a unique perspective on entrepreneurship, disruption, and how combining passion with technology can lead to unprecedented success.