Eagle Farm to boast new digital timing system

The redeveloped Eagle Farm racecourse will become the first racecourse in Queensland to boast a new state-of-the-art digital timing system when it re-opens in May as part of the 2016 Winter Racing Carnival, Racing Minister Grace Grace has announced.

“Racing Queensland and the Brisbane Racing Club are currently in the final stages of negotiations with companies Trakus and Swiss Timing over the rights to install the digital timing technology at Eagle Farm,” Ms Grace said.

“This will provide punters with access to enhanced performance information including sectional times and trip distance covered by each horse.

“The technology, which has been used successfully overseas in Hong Kong and Singapore as well as closer to home at racetracks such as Flemington, Moonee Valley and Randwick, will enhance the experience for race goers and punters with instantaneous tracking of every runner during races.

“The technology maps the speed and position of each horse via radio tags which are inserted into the saddlecloth of each runner.”

Racing Queensland and the BRC have shortlisted two companies to implement the technology, with a decision expected to be made in the coming weeks.

“This new state-of-the-art timing system is one of many exciting initiatives which will be on offer for racing fans as part of the refurbishment of Eagle Farm,’’ said Racing Queensland Acting Chief Executive Officer Ian Hall.

“It will provide an enhanced experience for race goers and further detailed information that can be analysed by punters and broadcasters alike.

“I’m sure this new technology will be well received by participants in the industry and we look forward to working with the BRC on its implementation at Eagle Farm and also at Doomben in the future.

“We expect a decision to be made on this new system in the coming weeks in order for immediate installation work to commence.”

BRC chairman Neville Bell said punters should be excited about the state-of-the-art information soon to be available on Eagle Farm racing when the digital timing technology is operational.

“The digital technology will ensure Eagle Farm, Queensland’s premier racecourse, is keeping pace with global technology which now is available at most of the leading racing venues around the world,’’ Mr Bell said.

“We are grateful Racing Queensland has taken up this initiative to provide punters betting on Eagle Farm will have all the relevant information such as sectional times and how much distance each horse has covered.

“We at the BRC understand punters now expect this information to be readily available as an invaluable tool for any form analysis. It is a proven positive for wagering turnover so it’s a big plus for the racing industry.’’

Media Contact: Martin Philip 0427 919 548