The date from which horses are to be required to carry approved speed sensing equipment in certain races has been agreed. From 4th July 2005, on a trial basis until 30th September 2006, runners will be required to carry a Jockey Club-approved speed sensing device in those races where its use is specified in the race conditions in the Racing Calendar.
A new BHB Order will be introduced, with the trainer of any horse found in breach of the Order liable to be fined by the Jockey Club.
The implementation date was confirmed after further discussions with industry organisations and TurfTrax.
Ruth Quinn, BHB Racing Director, said: “Speed sensing is innovative and provides potentially very beneficial information. It is in the interests of Racing as a whole to introduce on a time-limited basis a requirement to carry the equipment.
“The impact of the Order will be reviewed during the period up to the end of September 2006, which will include consultation with the industry about the effect that the requirement has had. We will also at that stage discuss with TurfTrax the extent to which it has been possible to establish commercial value in speed sensing.”
Ian Harvey, Managing Director of TurfTrax Racing Data, said: “We are delighted to be working with the industry in this exciting development for British Racing.”
Notes:
1. The new Order, Order 224, reads:
A speed sensing device (the “device”), approved by the Stewards of the Jockey Club, shall be carried in the number cloth of every horse which starts in a race, where provided by the respective racecourse and where the Directors have specified in the race conditions that such a device is to be carried in the race. The Trainer of any horse which runs in a race so specified is solely responsible that the device is carried in the race and, in the event that the device is not carried throughout such race, the Trainer shall be deemed in breach of this Order and guilty of an offence.
2. The level of fines is: first offence £250; second offence £500; third offence £1000; fourth offence referred to the Disciplinary Panel
