They also note that their test is the first to achieve such precision over such a long distance. More information: Yan-Wei Chen et al, 113 km absolute ranging with nanometer precision, arXiv (2024).

But while such horses regularly succeed at one mile or even 1 1/8 miles, the classic distance of 1 1/4 miles is a different game. Arthur Hancock, breeder of two Derby winners, said, "That's a ...