- Stewards will have access to 16 live HD feeds with new system
- Technology – recently used by officials on the British and Irish Lions Tour and the Super Bowl – will mean more efficient and comprehensive post-race review process
- System will be rolled out across British racecourses from 1 April 2018
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has today announced that a new HD replay system will be used by the Stewards for the first time at Ascot on QIPCO British Champions Day this Saturday.
The new system, which will be gradually rolled out at all of the UK’s 59 racecourses from 1 April 2018, will make the process of reviewing races easier, more efficient and more comprehensive both in the immediate aftermath and any resulting stewards enquiries.
The system will allow officials multiple screen views of continually synchronised content from up to 16 HD cameras. The playback of footage will also now be controlled via an intuitive touchscreen system from within the Stewards’ Room, replacing the existing “talkback” system to an outside broadcast truck. It also provides the ability to record the whole of a day’s racing to review any other incidents which might occur.
The system has been developed by Belgian company EVS, with support from Racetech, and has recently been used by officials on the British and Irish Lions Tour of New Zealand and the Super Bowl.
Paul Barton, Head of Stewarding at the BHA, said:
“The new EVS system gives the Stewards every possible angle at the touch of the button, and will make the post-race review quicker and more comprehensive than it has been previously.
“It will also allow for more footage to be called on in an enquiry, if required, and give stewards and participants clearer evidence on which to base their discussions and decisions.”
Notes to editors:
1. More information about the Xeebra system made by EVS can be found here: https://evs.com/en/product/xeebra.
2. More information about Racetech can be found here: http://www.racetech.co.uk/.
3. As a result of the upgrade, new screens will be required in order for the technology to be fully utilised. BHA GI 4.1 has been changed as a result, which requires racecourses to upgrade to suitable technology.
