Leading 'Trakus' technology to be rolled out at Victorian racecourses

Photo Credit: Racing Victoria

Racing Victoria (RV) and the Victorian Coalition Government have today announced that world-leading Trakus timing and tracking technology will be installed at selected Victorian racecourses, providing fans and participants with enhanced coverage of the in-race performance of every single horse.

The $1.83 million investment is stage one of Victoria’s introduction of Trakus with Moonee Valley and Caulfield Racecourses the first tracks to have the technology installed, both in time for the feature 2015 autumn racing period. The location of a third stage one installation will be finalised by year’s end, with RV keen to expand the Trakus technology to other Victorian tracks into the future.

RV Chief Executive, Bernard Saundry, said the installation of the Trakus system would ensure that Victoria's key racing venues were equipped with technology on par with the most prestigious racing venues around the world.

“The integration of Trakus technology will enhance the on and off-course experience for racing fans and punters, with the detailed data gained through the system set to be made available to consumers via Victorian thoroughbred racing’s one-stop digital platform, racing.com,” Mr Saundry said.

“As well as significantly improving the level and presentation of information available to current and future racing fans, the system will also enhance the data available for stewards, veterinarians, form analysts, trainers, jockeys and other industry participants.”

Trakus CEO, Bob McCarthy, said the Trakus system identifies the location, speed and position of each runner in a race through credit card sized radio tags which are inserted in each horse’s saddlecloth.

“The technology is used to provide highly accurate data on all runners at any point during a race, providing rich data for integration into broadcasts and statistical information for detailed post-race analysis and review,” Mr McCarthy said.

“The data gained through the system can be used to present a graphical overlay of each horse’s position from a variety of angles and this output can be made available instantaneously for live broadcast and replays.”

The output will initially be made available via racing.com, with options being explored to integrate it into a number of on and off-course platforms.

“This is fantastic technology that will allow participants, punters and racegoers to keep track of how every single horse in a race is performing during the race, including sectional times and positions, the first time such comprehensive real time information has been available in Australian racing,” Premier and Minister for Racing, Dr Denis Napthine, said.

“If we want to grow the Victorian racing industry and the economic benefits and jobs arising from it, then it is critical to invest in new technology and infrastructure for racing.

“The installation of the Trakus system will help Victorian racing maintain its position as the leader in Australian racing in delivering quality race vision and information to its customers, while ensuring that it keeps pace with overseas tracks.”

The total project investment in Trakus is $1,836,620 with the Coalition Government investing $918,310 from its Victorian Racing Industry Fund. RV, together with the three Melbourne racing clubs (VRC, MVRC, MRC) , have provided the remaining funds.

Dr Napthine said the Victorian Racing Industry Fund provides grants to the Victorian racing industry aimed at stimulating industry growth and development.

“The racing industry provides an annual economic benefit of $2.8 billion to Victoria with more than 114,000 participants and employees in the industry. The Coalition Government is firmly focused on growing these jobs and economic benefits through targeted support for the racing industry,” Dr Napthine said.

Further information on the Trakus technology can be found at: www.trakus.com

Source: Racing Victoria. This article first appeared on the Racing Victoria Website and is reproduced here with their kind permission. For more on Off the Track visit http://rv.racing.com/the-horse/off-the-track/news‰