One of the arguments in favor of using these devices is the view expressed by the British Horseracing Board's Director that the information "could be of great benefit to the betting and racegoing public..."

What a novel idea...support the people who support racing!


http://www.sportinglife.com/racing/news/story_get.dor?STORY_NAME=racing/05/03/08/RACING_Speed.html


SPEED CHIPS TO BE COMPULSORY

Connections who refuse to allow a horse to carry speed-sensing equipment are to be fined in future under a new policy to be introduced by the British Horseracing Board.

The use of the technology is to be made compulsory when it is specified in the conditions of a race.

TurfTrax has developed a means of tracking a horse's speed and position in a race with a saddle-cloth chip, but the introduction has been met with resistance from individual owners and trainers.

A new BHB order is intended to be introduced from June 1, although the precise date will depend on the outcome of further discussions on commercial and contractual issues.

Although TurfTrax is at present the only company promoting and providing speed-sensing apparatus, the requirement will extend to any other Jockey Club-approved equipment in due course.

BHB racing director Ruth Quinn said: "There is a widespread view that the information from speed sensing could be of great benefit to the betting and racegoing public and to industry professionals.

"Channel 4 Racing have already incorporated the information into their programmes.

"Statistics can be generated on, for example, each horse's position and distance behind the leader at any stage of the race, sectional times, speed of each horse at any point, distance travelled and distance from the inner rail.

"Only a very small proportion of horses have not carried the equipment on the current voluntary basis.

"However, the Board agreed that it was not in the sport's interests to have a situation where, if one horse in a race did not do so, the speed sensing information was rendered near-useless.

"The Board was mindful of the potential commercial benefits that could flow from the information in the longer term and, to this end, further discussions will take place between BHB and TurfTrax.

"Once these are satisfactorily concluded, a date for the introduction of the compulsory requirement will be confirmed."



Delmar Deb